1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: What was Giani Zail Singh’s biggest 'blunder' as President? Former MP Tarlochan Singh recounts; Watch Full Interview

In an exclusive interview with Babushahi Editor-in-Chief and Senior Journalist Baljit Balli, Tarlochan Singh recounts the painful story of the 1984 anti-Sikh Riots and questions the response of then President Giani Zail Singh

Babushahi Bureau

New Delhi, November 3, 2026: What was the biggest blunder committed by Giani Zail Singh as President of India during the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre? Former Rajya Sabha MP Tarlochan Singh revisits this question in an exclusive interview with Baljit Balli, Editor-in-Chief of Babushahi and senior journalist, arguing that the then President failed to use his authority and security strength to intervene when Sikh lives were under attack. Singh said Giani Zail Singh had around 800 security personnel at his disposal and could have visited the affected areas of Delhi with his convoy, potentially frightening away attackers and saving lives.

Tarlochan Singh described the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre as an event comparable to a major ghallughara (massacre) in Sikh history. He recalled that the community had witnessed the Partition of 1947, the attack on the Golden Temple in June 1984 and, subsequently, the killings of Sikhs in Delhi.

Giani Zail Singh was in South Yemen when Indira Gandhi was shot

Recounting the events of October 31, 1984, Tarlochan Singh said Giani Zail Singh, who was then President of India, was on a visit to South Yemen. Singh was accompanying him along with other members of the delegation.

Indira Gandhi was shot by two of her bodyguards while she was walking in the garden of her residence at around 9 am. P.C. Alexander, then Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, contacted Giani Zail Singh over the telephone and informed him that Indira Gandhi had been shot, advising him to return to India.

Singh recalled that the delegation’s scheduled programmes were cancelled and arrangements were made for everyone to proceed to the airport. However, during their approximately seven-hour flight, the delegation did not receive further information about developments in India.

He said Giani Zail Singh also spoke to him privately during the journey, discussing the developments and the political situation following the attack on the Prime Minister.

Presidential convoy encountered an angry crowd in Delhi

Tarlochan Singh recalled that when the delegation returned to Delhi on October 31, violence against Sikhs had already started. According to him, Giani Zail Singh proceeded towards the place where Indira Gandhi’s body had been kept. However, the presidential convoy encountered a hostile crowd near R.K. Puram.

Singh said adequate security arrangements and road restrictions were not in place along the route at the time. His car was fourth in the convoy and was attacked by a group of around 14–15 young men, he recalled.

He credited his driver with acting quickly and accelerating the vehicle to escape the crowd. Singh said he managed to reach home safely, while the incident was also reported in newspapers.

He further recalled that Giani Zail Singh’s security personnel had to make efforts to escort him through the tense atmosphere, amid anti-Sikh slogans and hostility.

‘He had 800 security personnel’: Tarlochan questions President’s failure to visit affected areas

Explaining what he considered Giani Zail Singh’s biggest failure during the massacre, Tarlochan Singh said the President had approximately 800 security personnel and could have used that strength to visit the violence-hit localities.

“Giani Ji had 800 security guards. If he had come out with his convoy and four vehicles, who would have dared to stop him?” he said.

Tarlochan Singh argued that the President’s presence in the affected areas, accompanied by a substantial security contingent, could have created fear among the attackers and helped prevent further killings.

He maintained that Giani Zail Singh could also have sought additional forces if required. Singh said he had personally told the former President that he had failed in this regard, describing it as a failure at the presidential level.

Delegation seeks President’s intervention as killings continue

Recalling the subsequent developments, Tarlochan Singh said a delegation of prominent individuals approached Giani Zail Singh at around 11 am, urging him to intervene as the situation deteriorated.

According to Singh, the delegation included General Arora, Gurdeep Nayar and Inder Kumar Gujral, along with other members.

Singh recalled that Giani Zail Singh told the delegation that he could not do much and directed them to Teen Murti Bhavan, where Indira Gandhi’s body was lying, asking them to approach the Prime Minister’s side.

The delegation subsequently approached the then Home Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. According to Singh, Rao explained that the government was occupied with arrangements for Indira Gandhi’s funeral and preparations for the arrival of heads of state from different countries.

Singh questioned this response, recalling that violence against Sikhs was continuing even as the government was engaged in funeral arrangements and preparations to receive foreign dignitaries.

Tarlochan Singh drew attention to October 31 and November 2, 1984, saying that killings and violence continued during these days, while preparations were underway for Indira Gandhi’s funeral on November 3.

He also recounted an incident involving Namdhari Sikhs, whom he described as pro-Congress, who had gone to express their condolences following Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

According to Singh, they were beaten near the entrance and turned away without being allowed inside.

The 1984 anti-Sikh massacre followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by two of her Sikh bodyguards. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in violence that erupted in several parts of the country, particularly Delhi.

Watch Full Interview Here: