Remembering the silent sacrifices of the Sikhs

Contrary to the popular perception that the events of 1984 happened overnight, they were the culmination of over a century of political struggle and conflict in Punjab. The repression under British colonialism, the devastating partition of 1947, the Punjabi Suba movement, the trifurcation of Punjab, its water crisis, the Anandpur Sahib Resolution and the Dharam Yudh Morcha, all these events illustrate a history of relentless marginalisation. Despite Punjab’s significant contribution to India’s journey to independence, where over 80 per cent of those who sacrificed their lives or were hanged were from Punjab, the leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, failed to deliver on the promise of a semi-autonomous region after independence where the religious, cultural and political rights of its people would be protected. The 1947 partition divided Punjab, separating the Sikhs from their homeland, heritage and holy places, including Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The rich syncretism and pluralism were lost forever.