Ban On Initial Report of Sikh Genocide Continues Even After 30 years

2014-08-28_-1984

—Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was responsible for the military attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex and 42 other Gurdwaras in Punjab.  The operation led to thousands of causalities across Punjab, and led to further bloodshed after her assassination in 1984 by her bodyguards – Bhai Beant Singh and Satwant Singh.  After the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Congress supporters carried out mass killings of Sikhs in Delhi, under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi.

It is worth mentioning that the first report of this genocide is still banned after the passage of three decades.  The Human Rights Commission, People Union for Democratic Rights and People Union for Civil Liberties had released a report named ‘Though Are They Guilty’ on 11 November, 1984, but Punjab Government banned this report on 12 February, 1985. Punjab Government had imposed a ban on this report under Article 124 A and 153 A by declaring it as “hate promoting report”, that could lead to religious intolerance. This report is considered very important in every investigation of Government Commissions, and it is still used for references by the Government Investigation Agencies. 

Translated version of this report in Punjabi was published under the name of ‘Doshi Kaun‘. Prof. Jagmohan Singh (Democratic Rights Sabha) said that it was very needful to publish the translated version of this report at that time to reduce tension and violence in society. According to him, this report contained names of those who were responsible for this Genocide, and of those who helped the Sikhs during the tragedy. Prof. Jagmohan Singh said that the ban on this report was non-democratic.  “The Government neither takes back the ban nor file charges against us for publishing it,” he added. “Because of this, we have no legal option to get it published.” This report was banned by the President, so they could also not publish a translated copy.

Gautam Navlakha of People Union for Democratic and Arjun Shorey of People Union for Civil Liberties said that the ban on this report was illogical. They say that this act of Government makes it clear that the Government is defending such elements in our society that are promoting hate in society. It is a part series of injustices with Sikh Community that every Investigation Agency of Government takes reference from the report, however it remains banned in India.

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