Memories of riots still haunt Sikh survivors

Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since the anti-Sikh riots, but survivors still have painful memories of the mayhem that took place on the streets here following the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

As the 25th anniversary is being observed this year, Mohan Singh, a resident of Trilokpuri who lost 11 family members in the carnage says the horrors of November 1, 1984 had left a permanent scar in his mind.

"They killed 11 of my family members. Is it possible to forget that? The horrific incident comes to my mind almost every day," says Singh, 57, recounting the riots where nearly 3,000 Sikhs lost their lives.

An auto driver, Singh said he was still hopeful that justice will come his way one day. "I am tired of waiting for justice. But I am hopeful that the guilty will be punished one day," he said.

Jagjit Singh, 43, whose father and brother were killed before his eyes, said the riots severely affected the mental health of children and youth who were witness to the killings of their relatives.

"The riots shattered the children and youth. They were witnesses to killings of their fathers and brothers. In depression, many of them now have become drug addicts," Singh said reliving the evening of November 1, 1984 when rioters attacked their house.