Hardeep Singh Puri labels 1984 anti-Sikh violence as genocide

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has described the 1984 anti-Sikh violence as a “genocide” rather than a riot, alleging that the killings were organized and targeted. Speaking at a protest march in New Delhi, Puri stated that the violence could not be viewed as mere clashes between communities, noting that attackers appeared to possess advance information regarding the identities and addresses of Sikh households.

Puri highlighted the scale of the tragedy, citing an official nationwide death toll of approximately 3,325, with 2,733 deaths reported in Delhi alone. He characterized the collective punishment of the Sikh community following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as indefensible and noted that the events left lasting scars on the community through the destruction of homes and businesses.

The Minister also questioned the timing of a rally by the INDIA bloc scheduled for November 1, a date associated with the anniversary of the violence. He alleged that the Congress government of that era bore responsibility and claimed that an appropriate apology has yet to be offered to the victims.