Lokayan Bulletin

Brutal suppression of fundamental human rights through extra-judicial state oppression and its retaliation through militant means are inseparable. It is a vicious circle which takes a heavy toll of innocent lives. This is what happened in big cities of India soon after the assassination of the Indian Prime Minister on October 31, 1984. This issue of the journal "Lokayan" highlights the traumatic experience of the Sikhs following the wide-spread rioting, arson, and mass murder of the Sikhs by the raging mobs in collusion with the governing political party. These articles by the eminent intellectuals and social activities provide a glimpse into the traumatized Sikh consciousness, the suddenly transformed Hindu psyche, and direction of their duty by the state machinery. The articles are aimed at pricking the conscience of the nation and serve as a serious warning to the Indian state against the spread of communalism in the future. The articles based on recording statements given by the hapless victims and impartial enlightened citizens present the various facts for four-day long grin carnage.