Baku Initiative Group Reports Alleged Massacres of Sikhs by Indian Governments, Citing Thousands of Deaths

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has released a report alleging that thousands of Sikhs were killed in what it describes as state-led or state-enabled massacres carried out by successive Indian governments, particularly during the late 20th century.

According to the report, the most significant episode occurred in November 1984, following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Baku Initiative Group cites estimates indicating that 10,000 plus Sikhs were killed across India within a few days, with approximately 3,000 deaths reported in Delhi alone. The group alleges that security forces failed to intervene and, in some cases, were complicit in the violence.

The report further states that during counter-insurgency operations in Punjab between 1984 and 1995, an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 Sikhs were killed. BIG claims that many of these deaths occurred during security operations that allegedly involved enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and mass detentions.

In addition, the Baku Initiative Group reports that thousands of Sikh families were displaced, and tens of thousands were subjected to arbitrary arrests during this period. The organization also alleges that accountability mechanisms have been insufficient, noting that only a limited number of cases have resulted in convictions decades after the events.

BIG emphasized that the figures presented in the report are based on documented testimonies, human rights records, and previously published investigations. The group described the alleged violence as part of a broader pattern of repression against the Sikh community.

The report calls on international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and independent investigative bodies to conduct impartial inquiries into the allegations and to ensure justice for victims and their families.

Indian authorities have not issued an immediate response to the report. The Baku Initiative Group stated that it welcomes independent verification of its findings and reiterated its commitment to advocating for minority rights and historical accountability.