Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh !
This post is dedicated to all those who lost their lives and loved ones in the Massacre that followed the death of Indira Gandhi , 31 October 1984.
We must never forget.
I tend to avoid posts on 1984, I do have lots of material, as I was in my early teens at the time, but as it is still a very painful episode - I tend to avoid posting it.
I am aware people have very varied views about 1984 and it is a very divisive issue , anytime I have posted threads about 1984 they tend to descend into outrageous namecalling and disrespectful language - and I don't want to be responsible for such disrespect to the names of those who gave their lives.
I have been persuaded to post some material by a forum member, who made the point that many members were not even born in 1984 - so I should share some of the material I have.
So in memory of all those who gave their all,here is just a very small part of the material I have.
My only request is that all posters keep their responses civil and do not post anything they would feel uncomfortable saying in 'Sadh Sangat' .
Here are some videos and pictures - apologies for the quality but they are over 20 years old.
A news report from the BBC from around 1983 - looking at the 'Dharam Yudh Morcha' and the events that led eventually to the army attack in June 1984
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video.google.co.uk]
A couple of short snippets from the above film - showing a short interview with Sant ji ( in the above film the audio jumps)
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video.google.co.uk]
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video.google.co.uk]
The Army Attack June 1984
These very rare pictures come from the Observer Magazine - they show the days before the attack. They show the Singhs ready for what was about to happen ; Laughing on the balcony of the Akal Takht ;
Gun positions and a wounded Singh - This is the first time I am sharing these pictures - they are very hard for me to view - Please show these Singhs some respect - regardless of your views - and think before you post any comments .
The Huge Protest in London June 1984 - after the Army Attack
I was at the march - my abiding memory is the sheer level of noise - the Sangat was so loud and angry - but above all united.
ITN
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BBC
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The ' Southall Celebrations' after the death of Gandhi
BBC
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ITN
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Eastern Eye C4
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News reports of the Killings in Delhi Nov 1984
BBC
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video.google.co.uk]
ITN
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video.google.co.uk]
BBC
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video.google.co.uk]
Frontpages of UK newspapers Nov 1984
'Refugees in their own City.'
This image has always deeply affected me - the boy in the foreground bearing the scars of having his kesh hacked off -with his hands outstretched- especially.
We cannot know what these Sikhs went through, or the horrors they saw and suffered - these are very disturbing images - they have always haunted me - I am posting them so we never forget - As a mark of Respect and Remembrance.
Gurfateh
Ranjit Singh 'Freed'