1984 Sikh massacre a stain on India’s democracy, says SGPC Chief Dhami
Dhami accuses Congress of shielding those accused of the killings, says Sikh families continue to await justice more than four decades later
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), November 1, 2026: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami on Sunday described the November 1984 anti-Sikh massacre as a “stain on the forehead of the world’s largest democracy,” saying that the wounds of the victims and their families remain unhealed even after more than four decades.
In a statement issued while paying tribute to the Sikh men, women and children killed during the massacre, Dhami said thousands of Sikh families continued to await justice despite the passage of over 40 years.
He alleged that the violence, which erupted in Delhi and several other parts of the country following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was carried out with the backing of the Congress government of the time.
Dhami said Sikhs were subjected to inhuman atrocities from November 1, 1984, for nearly a week, describing the killings as a heinous crime against humanity that had shaken the conscience of sensitive people across the world.
He said those responsible for the massacre should have been punished in accordance with the law. However, he alleged that instead of ensuring justice, the Congress had consistently shielded leaders facing allegations in connection with the violence and rewarded them with prominent political positions.
“The November 1984 Sikh massacre is a stain on the forehead of the world’s largest democracy,” Dhami said.
Highlighting the contributions of the Sikh community to India’s freedom struggle, the SGPC president said Sikhs had made immense sacrifices for the country’s independence but had repeatedly faced injustice.
He said the arrival of November every year brings back painful memories for the families of the victims and the Sikh community as a whole.
Dhami urged governments to take concrete steps to ensure justice for the affected families and bring those responsible for the massacre to justice.
He said the struggle for justice was not limited to the victims’ families but was also a fight to uphold human rights, democratic values and public faith in the justice system.
“Until those responsible are punished for their actions, the hearts of the victim families will not find peace,” he said.
Dhami added that the Sikh community could never forget the painful episode and continued to commemorate the victims every year.
As part of the observances, Sri Akhand Path Sahib will conclude at the Sri Darbar Sahib complex on November 2, followed by a prayer in memory of those killed in the massacre.