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1984: Lessons from History—Intrigue and Conflict in Centre-Sikh Relations WHEN you read the title of this book, the initial reaction is: "yet another work on the massacre of Sikhs in Delhi and elsewhere in the tragic year of 1984!" Yet only after going through the first few pages, you see the depth of the book. The introduction of the book quickly goes through the happenings in colonial India. Any writer would have to touch on that crucial period when people of all communities, irrespective of religion, fought for Independence from the colonial masters. Subsequently, one finds why the volume is different. The author, Harminder Kaur, has written books on Punjab. She is a journalist she has combined her intellectual acumen with her curiosity to write on issues that have bogged the minds of well-meaning people, within Punjab and outside.
It concentrates on the intrigues that led to the tragic situation in Punjab, especially in the 1980’s. We know that it is conspiracies, vested interests and egos that mar ordinary life. Punjab has been no exception. The author has dealt with the intrigues, conflicts and how they have succeeded in permanently bruising the Centre-Sikh relations. The intrigues have been vicious, as the author explains; egos of a few leaders were allowed to vitiate the atmosphere of the state and of the country at large. She quotes, explains, proves her points and then leaves the reader to ponder. She highlights the contribution of Punjabis in every sphere, right from pre-Independence to the present times, talks about the bruised souls of the minority community that became a pawn in an unfortunate setting that was not its choice. The opening lines in the chapter, "The Sikh Psyche," say: "The Sikhs are akin to the Jews in more ways than one. Both believe that they are God’s chosen ones." You may feel that the author is pro-Sikh and the book is just another work on Centre-bashing. However, as you progress you change your opinion. You realise the Harminder Kaur has balanced her analysis and given viewpoints of the different groups. A case in point, when discussing causalities, she cites those of the Armed Forces, innocent civilians, policemen, and militants. She also exposes flaws within the Sikh leadership and how a few of them played in the hands of the disruptive forces. Her conclusions are a warning to the future generations. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi backed out many times from reaching an agreement on the Punjab issue. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, who led the Congress Party after her assassination and became the Prime Minister later, repeated the folly of dithering. Mistakes like these came at the cost of peace in the state, as the author says: "Punjab had literally become a graveyard of political initiatives." She writes about the manipulations of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and discusses the negative role of leaders like Giani Zail Singh, Darbara Singh, Jagdev Singh Talwandi, Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Lacchman Singh Gill, etc. Discussing the rise of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhidranwale, she says "a volcano of fundamentalism was coming to life in Punjab," after his unconditional release on October 15, 1981. Each chapter has
exhaustive notes and the appendices include important documents like
the Sachar Formula, the Regional Formula, The Anandpur Sahib
Resolution and Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord. This is a book that
yields more if referred to repeatedly to understand the causes of
various problems in Punjab.
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state seems to be close to her heart. Much has been written by notable
historians and political analysts about Punjab, especially the role of
the Sikh representatives in the Constituent Assembly, the demand for a
Sikh state and since then the murky politics in Punjab. While writing
my doctoral thesis on factionalism in Punjab I read much literature on
Punjab politics. This book adds more to that body. It comes across as
something new and fresh. Important dates and incidents have been
discussed, but the account does not ramble.