1984 anti-Sikh riots: Tragic stories

‘The men were dragged out and killed’
Bhagwani Kaur, riot victim
On November 1 morning, there was stone-pelting between both parties (Sikhs and non-Sikhs) in Trilokpuri area. When the police came, they first cordoned off the area and then indicated the non-Sikhs to go ahead.
Rioters barged into our homes, pulled out utensils and other goods and looted our homes. The men were dragged out by their hair and killed.
third day, trucks were brought in, the bodies were taken away and dumped in the Yamuna.
‘They threw my father from top floor’
Paramjeet Kaur, lost her father and three uncles in riots
I was just 11 years old in 1984. My father, three of my uncles, a brother-in-law and a cousin were killed in the riots. One of my cousins tried to hide on the windowsill but he couldn’t escape.The rioters burnt him alive. I still remember the ghastly scene. My father was thrown from the top floor. His head was smashed. My younger brothers were made to wear girls’ dresses to escape. The women, my two sisters and 3-4 other women, had a horrific time.
As told to Nivedita Khandekar
‘When will we get justice?’
Hukm Singh, lost his two toddler sons, a brother
I lost my two sons — four and two-and-a-half years — and a brother at Jagatpuri during the three-day rioting in 1984. They were among the 11 people from three families in our building to be killed. My landlord and his family were killed. My plyboard factory in Radhapuri was set afire. I have not yet received any compensation yet.