Sikhs and Their Rights in India: Historical Struggles and Current Realities

The Sikh community has a long and significant history in India, and its symbols of faith—the dastar (turban), kara (steel bangle), and kirpan (religious dagger)—are not only expressions of religious devotion but also powerful symbols of identity. That Sikhs can proudly wear these articles anywhere in India is an undeniable fact. However, when figures like Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, raise questions about Sikh rights in India, it evokes a complex and often painful historical legacy. The most significant chapter in this history was the 1984 pogrom, where the Sikh community faced an existential threat, sponsored by elements within the Congress party.
In this article, we will explore the rights of Sikhs in India, the legacy of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and the potential implications of any political discourse that challenges Sikh rights today.
Sikh Symbols and Their Place in Indian Society
In contemporary India, Sikhs are able to proudly wear the dastar, kara, and kirpan, not just as personal symbols of faith but as expressions of cultural heritage that are widely respected across the country. These articles of faith are protected under Indian law, and Sikhs can carry and display them in public spaces, schools, and even governmental institutions.
The kirpan, for instance, is classified as a religious article and not a weapon, making it exempt from various laws that prohibit the carrying of arms. Similarly, the dastar is a symbol of honor and self-respect, and its use is deeply rooted in Sikh religious teachings. These religious freedoms have been protected by the Indian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freely practice and propagate their religion under Article 25.
This open expression of Sikh identity stands as a testament to India's secular democracy. Despite this, the Sikh community’s relationship with the Indian state has not always been harmonious, and past events continue to shape current political discourse.
The Dark Legacy of 1984: An Existential Threat to Sikhs
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, often referred to as a pogrom, represent one of the darkest periods in India's post-independence history. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, violent mobs, many allegedly incited by Congress leaders, launched brutal attacks against Sikhs in Delhi and other parts of the country. Thousands of Sikhs were killed, women were raped, and homes and businesses were destroyed. The community, which had been an integral part of India’s fabric, was suddenly faced with an existential threat.
The scars of 1984 still run deep within the Sikh community, and the sense of betrayal by the Indian state remains palpable. Successive Indian governments, especially those led by the Congress party, have faced widespread criticism for their failure to deliver justice to the victims of these atrocities.