Question

After the assassination of Indira Gandhi, there were anti-Sikh riots, killing more than 1500 Sikh people at a time. The act is known as _____ .

• A. Homicide
• B. Genocide
• C. Torture
• D. Apartheid

Hint:

Genocide refers to acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of Indira Gandhi are considered a case of genocide, where a large group of people, based on their ethnicity, were targeted and killed.

Answer 2

The correct answer is Genocide.

The tragic event referred to occurred in the aftermath of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards. Following her death, widespread violence broke out in several parts of India, particularly in Delhi, targeting members of the Sikh community.

During these anti-Sikh riots, thousands of Sikhs were brutally attacked, their homes and businesses destroyed, and over 1500 Sikhs were killed within a short span of time. The violence was marked by mass killings, looting, and arson, often with alleged complicity or inaction by authorities.

Why It Is Termed Genocide:
- The acts were aimed specifically at a religious and ethnic group — the Sikhs.
- The violence was systematic and widespread.
- Human rights groups and some political bodies have described the incident as Genocide — defined as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Legal and Historical Recognition:
While the Indian government has often referred to the incident as "riots," many national and international organizations, human rights bodies, and survivors consider it a case of Genocide, seeking justice and formal recognition of the targeted violence.

Conclusion:
The mass killing of Sikhs following Indira Gandhi's assassination is referred to as Genocide.