1984 Anti-Sikh Shooting Essay
Joura 1
Simran Joura
R. Barsy
Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies
May 14, 2015
!
Lessons of the 1984 Anti-Sikh Massacres
In the recent decades, the Northern Indian states of Kashmir and Punjab have been
among the most conflictive regions of the world. On June 1st, 1984, Indian Prime Minister,
Indira Gandhi, ordered the Indian military to storm the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar- The Golden
Temple, a religious site, the holiest of holies to 25 million Sikhs all over the world and to others who find inspiration and solace in its spiritual environs. The event launched, named ‘Operation
Bluestar’, a full-scale assault on dozens of gurdwaras (temples) around the Sikh homeland of
Punjab. The disappearances and the killings evinced a strong gendercidal component, with …show more content…
Over 4,000 people were massacred in the world’s largest democracy. Children were left orphaned, women were left widowed, and the cultural landscape of India was changed forever. One aspect of the terrible attacks of 1984 that still looms large is the question of responsibility and influence over the mobs. Where, if at all, can the blame be placed? How can such a efficient and large crowd gather in such a short period of time with ready resources to attack? And why were they able to execute their vengeance without police and military interference? To what extent do state agencies or political parties themselves stimulate the mob? What if the political leaders had taken the slightest action towards simple tasks such as negotiation or open communication? These questions remain unanswered today.
Joura 5
My views on interpersonal conflict continue to develop daily as I observe and take part in different types of conflict. The processes of resolving conflict is where I lack knowledge and experience. From this course, I plan to develop the skills needed to analyze disputes
Simran Joura
R. Barsy
Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies
May 14, 2015
!
Lessons of the 1984 Anti-Sikh Massacres
In the recent decades, the Northern Indian states of Kashmir and Punjab have been
among the most conflictive regions of the world. On June 1st, 1984, Indian Prime Minister,
Indira Gandhi, ordered the Indian military to storm the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar- The Golden
Temple, a religious site, the holiest of holies to 25 million Sikhs all over the world and to others who find inspiration and solace in its spiritual environs. The event launched, named ‘Operation
Bluestar’, a full-scale assault on dozens of gurdwaras (temples) around the Sikh homeland of
Punjab. The disappearances and the killings evinced a strong gendercidal component, with …show more content…
Over 4,000 people were massacred in the world’s largest democracy. Children were left orphaned, women were left widowed, and the cultural landscape of India was changed forever. One aspect of the terrible attacks of 1984 that still looms large is the question of responsibility and influence over the mobs. Where, if at all, can the blame be placed? How can such a efficient and large crowd gather in such a short period of time with ready resources to attack? And why were they able to execute their vengeance without police and military interference? To what extent do state agencies or political parties themselves stimulate the mob? What if the political leaders had taken the slightest action towards simple tasks such as negotiation or open communication? These questions remain unanswered today.
Joura 5
My views on interpersonal conflict continue to develop daily as I observe and take part in different types of conflict. The processes of resolving conflict is where I lack knowledge and experience. From this course, I plan to develop the skills needed to analyze disputes