‘I still shudder’: Hardeep Singh Puri calls 1984 riots India’s darkest chapter, blames Congress for enabling violence

Puri says state machinery “turned on its head” during 1984 riots; accuses Congress of leading mobs, shielding perpetrators

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday described the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as one of the darkest blots on India’s post-Independence history, alleging that Congress leaders guided and protected mobs that targeted innocent Sikh families after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Puri said he still 'shudders' recalling the violence that left thousands of Sikhs dead across Delhi and other parts of India.

Today we observe the anniversary of one of the darkest blots in the history of independent India. I shudder even now when I recall those days of 1984 when helpless and innocent Sikh men, women and children were mindlessly massacred, and their properties and places of worship… pic.twitter.com/AzIfxG5o1v

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) October 31, 2025

“Helpless and innocent Sikh men, women and children were massacred… their homes and places of worship ransacked by murderous mobs guided and led by Congress leaders and their cronies,” he wrote.

Puri accused the state administration at the time of deliberate inaction, saying the police “stood as mute spectators” while mobs looted and burned Sikh homes and Gurdwaras.

“The protectors had turned to perpetrators,” he said, alleging that voter lists were used to identify Sikh-owned properties and that police forces were instructed not to intervene for several days.

He cited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s statement, “When a big tree falls, the earth shakes,” as “open support to the massacre,” claiming that Congress leaders were seen leading mobs outside Gurdwaras as violence raged.

The minister referenced the Nanavati Commission Report (2005), which found 'credible evidence' against several Congress (I) leaders accused of provoking mobs and inciting attacks.

“Even their own report confirmed what survivors always knew, Congress did not fail to stop the massacre; it enabled it,” Puri wrote, adding that many perpetrators were later rewarded with party tickets and posts.

Sharing a personal account, Puri said that during the 1984 violence, he was posted as First Secretary in Geneva and feared for his parents’ safety in Delhi.

“My parents lived in Hauz Khas and were rescued in time by a Hindu friend who took them to safety even as unimaginable violence raged across the city,” he wrote.

Calling for remembrance and reflection, Puri said the anniversary should be observed with both anger and empathy for the victims’ families. He contrasted the 1984 events with what he called the current era of “inclusive development and peace” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Today, India not only keeps its minorities safe but ensures Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas without prejudice or discrimination,” Puri said.