The Kaurs of 1984: The Untold, Unheard Stories of Sikh Women

Must read this book, its shame that thousands of innocents sikh men , women, newborn infant killed by mobs with proper planning and full support of government but not a single person hanged. Still government advice those who suffered in 1984 to forget , how someone can forget their loved ones. A land where we have 32 lakh gods but many still not value human lives which belongs to real minorities like Sikhs...please read this book.....must buy..this book should be read by everyone who value Human life and believes in justice

Excellent book, deep & honest research by Sanam, full marks, as he is human rights activist he should do research on Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus suffered during Punjab violence, Bandi Sikhs who have completed their imprisonment terms. Please convey him if possible, 👍

Every coin has two sides. This book shows the other side of operation Blue Star tragedy. While reading this I could feel the emotions of women who survived this bravely but still see the nightmares. A must read

Read the book go through the suffering of women and deliberate killings and raping of Sikh women.

Sanam Sutirath Wazir is a human rights activist from Jammu and Kashmir. He has dedicated himself to preserving historical accounts of mass violence and injustices using firsthand testimonies. His book, ‘The Kaurs of 1984’ dives into a dark chapter of Indian history – the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. Often overlooked in historical narratives, these are the experiences of the Sikh women during this period. Wazir’s book aims to rectify this by weaving together oral histories and research to bring the different stories of the dreams, lives, and underlying trauma of Sikh women to life. Women’s voices are often missing from mainstream history, and this is Wazir’s attempt at bridging that gap.Wazir interviewed multiple women and penned their stories in this book. It includes the sagas of civilians such as Rajbir Kaur, Harmeet Kaur, Darshan Kaur, Satwant Kaur, Nirpreet Kaur, Bimal Kaur, and a dozen others then the militants who lifted arms for personal means in the wake of the violence of 1984 such as Harjeet Kaur, Gurdev Kaur, Rajinder Kaur, etc. The interviews conducted are as emotionally draining as horrifying — ranging from young girls and pregnant women being raped to women who witnessed their loved ones being burned alive. These interviews, experiences, emotional upheaval, and the lasting trauma form the plot of the book. It doesn’t follow a single linear plot but is a collection of interconnected stories. We meet women who witnessed the horrors within the Golden Temple, those who stood by their militant husbands, and even some who later became militants themselves. Through their detailed testimonies, the reader experiences these women’s trauma, loss, resilience, and hope. Written with data collected over a span of 10 years, this book serves as an encyclopedia on the 1984 pogrom and its aftermath.Wazir’s writing style is both unflinching and compassionate. He doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the events, but he also approaches the women’s experiences with empathy and respect. The language is clear and direct, allowing his motive to take center stage so that the real picture is seen and known by one and all. The book is written in an easy flow, simpler language, flitting between memories of the traumatic past actioned in Punjab and later Delhi. The writing style makes the book easily accessible to both readers and non-readers alike. It is a non-academic read and steers clear of fancy language making it an empathetic read that ploughs emotions and sympathy within its readers.As you flip each page, you will encounter different women—the young, the girls, the middle-aged, the old, all survivors. Each woman’s story is unique, etched with the indelible mark of violence. We encounter survivors of rape, those who lost loved ones, those who picked up arms, and those who continue to fight for justice. Their voices are raw and powerful, which will leave a lasting impression. This work acknowledges how women perhaps go through ten times more violence and trauma than their male counterparts, during wars and genocide. Their bodies become the ultimate sites of violence, humiliation, and crackdown, repetitively through history. These culled from a very recent history, the reader learns more about the various bloody incidents in Indian history such as Operation Blue Star, Operation Woodrose, Indira Gandhi’s assassination, the genocide of 1984, with blood-curdling details. They sure keep you glued to the page hoping for some rays of hope in the form of justice; that which never comes.As you flip each page, you will encounter different women—the young, the girls, the middle-aged, the old, all survivors. Each woman’s story is unique, etched with the indelible mark of violence. We encounter survivors of rape, those who lost loved ones, those who picked up arms, and those who continue to fight for justice. Their voices are raw and powerful, which will leave a lasting impression. This work acknowledges how women perhaps go through ten times more violence and trauma than their male counterparts, during wars and genocide. Their bodies become the ultimate sites of violence, humiliation, and crackdown, repetitively through history. These culled from a very recent history, the reader learns more about the various bloody incidents in Indian history such as Operation Blue Star, Operation Woodrose, Indira Gandhi’s assassination, the genocide of 1984, with blood-curdling details. They sure keep you glued to the page hoping for some rays of hope in the form of justice; that which never comes.The Kaurs of 1984 is a necessary and important read. It sheds light on a neglected aspect of history and gives voice to the women who suffered through unimaginable trauma. It’s a painful but powerful odyssey of grit and resilience and a call for acknowledging the silenced grieving voices of the past. That said, it’s not an easy read; it’s one that will tear the reader apart, so be prepared for an intense read, one that readers won’t forget anytime soon. Trigger warning includes: rape and sexual violence, immolation, and description of blood and gore. The book reminds us of some many other horrific tales of partition, of Kashmir, and several others scattered through the pages of history.

Highly recommended.