JYOTI BASU SAVED THOUSANDS OF SIKHS LIVING IN WEST BENGAL

Violence broke out in States ruled by the Congress following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Indira Gandhi was murdered by Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, who were seeking revenge for the controversial Operation Blue Star, which was launched to flush out extremists who had fortified the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhs, under the command of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Jyoti Basu, who was in Delhi then, sensed the danger to the Sikh community and rushed to West Bengal to ensure their safety. While Delhi and other parts of India witnessed large-scale murder of Sikhs, he was determined to protect the community in his State.

 “He placed Kolkata under curfew, and his party supporters were seen patrolling Sikh-dominated areas to prevent violence,” said Aittiana, adding that Sikhs have always supported Jyoti Basu and his party since then. “It can be described as his legacy. It is a different matter that many Sikhs of the new generation have started identifying themselves with other parties.”