IN THE 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, the capital of India, 2,733 people were killed but only 13 culprits have been punished so far for the crime. This revelation is based on a book titled, “When a tree shook”, published by Roli Book publishers. The authors of this much-publicised book are Manoj Mitta, a scribe and H. S Phoolka an advocate. The book hit the stands this week.

Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was brutally assassinated by her two Sikh security guards on Oct 31, 1984. The reprisal manifested itself in a bloodbath, on the streets of Delhi and elsewhere in the northern part of the country. ‘When a tree shook’ provides an overview of these events. It can be said that the gap between rhetoric and the reality of the rule of law in India is depicted in this book.

The Nanavati Commission report was made public in the year 2005. This book, largely based on factual reports, furnishes a first person account of efforts made to seek justice. Deputy Head of Delhi Police, Maxwell Pereira, with the help of a few of his men, was successful in controlling the violence that erupted outside Gurudwara Sheesh Gang at Chandni Chowk, according to the book.

Unlike in other parts of Delhi, Pereira, in his area of operation, did not leave Sikhs to the mercy of killers and mobs, the depleted force under his command notwithstanding; rather he persuaded the frightened Sikhs to go inside the Gurudwara and provided them security. He kept his word and dealt with the mobs strictly, the book further says, praising Mr. Pereira. When Mr. Pereira saw a mob looting a watch shop owned by a Sikh at Chandni Chowk, he ordered his men to fire at the miscreants. A constable fired three rounds, killing one rioter.

Also, the book refers to the apology tendered to the Sikh community and the nation.  The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tendered in parliament an apology to the Sikh community over the 1984 violence. The book remarks that it took so long for the government to apologise in the parliament for the massacre of Sikhs.   It finally took a Sikh Prime Minister to apologise. It does little credit to the Indian democracy, says the book.

Whatever the reason, the symbolic value of the words of apology tendered by the Prime Minister can not be lost, as they indicate the spirit of truth and reconciliation.