IDEA OF INDIA CONCLAVE

Remembering 1984 - 30 years since the Anti-Sikh Riots

8th November, 2014, India Islamic Centre

New Delhi

Dear Friends,

Contemporary India has been witness to gruesome incidents of mass violence, which has targeted the lives of men, women and children because of their religious identity. While the Indian Constitution unequivocally guarantees equal legal rights and ensures protection to its minorities: for most affected areas constitutional guarantees remain merely words. Episodes of mass violence continue to haunt us and cause tremendous suffering, damage infrastructure and hamper economic and social development. In the light of new and recurring incidents of communal violence that plague many communities in the country, there is an immediate need to foster dialogue, respect and understanding between conflicting parties along with initiatives to promote post-conflict peace building and development.

In 1984, Delhi witnessed one of the worst communal rioting post independent India. People from the minority Sikh community were butchered on the streets by the right wing Hindutva forces, a regressive political force, which remains a threat to the plurality and integrity of this country even till date. The political establishment in Delhi remained a mute spectator and allowed the merciless killing of people from the Sikh community. Even after thirty years have passed, the wounds of these victims have not been healed. The victims of the violence are still struggling socially and economically.

Under the banner of Idea of India, Aman Biradari in collaboration with Anhad, Centre for Policy Research and other organizations is organizing a day long event on 8th November to observe 30 years since the anti Sikh violence.

It will also be an occasion for us to release our book on Mass violence, titled ';On their Watch: Mass violence and state apathy in India';, followed by day long conversation and talks with people who worked with the victims on different thematic areas.

The Agenda for the event is attached with the invite for your reference. We are pleased to invite you to this event. Your presence and support would be of great value to strengthen our work.

RSVP:
Mangla Verma: 09711704282; mangla.verma@gmail.com
Asad Ashraf: 09911248960; asad.ashraf50@gmail.com
Amar Nijhawan; 08447769923; amarnijhawan@gmail.com