The Human Stain

“The book highlights unanswered questions,justice delayed,unbearable memories,the three days of ‘84 when over 3,000 Sikhs were slaughtered,” Singh shoots direct questions like who initiated the pogrom and why did the state allow it to happen; why,despite the many commissions and committees set up to investigate the event have the perpetrators not been brought to book. “These are untold stories of a generation who will never forget for they are still suffering this unforgivable act,” feels Singh. But why now,why bring it up is our question,especially when the global citizen of today wants the government to focus on more valid issues like drug addiction,unemployment,farmer suicides,female foeticide…especially in Punjab. “This is not a Sikh’s fight for justice alone. It’s a national issue,a human rights cause,one that has taken ages! Had the culprits been punished in time,a Kandhamal or a Babri Masjid or Gujarat wouldn’t have taken place,” is his explanation. Agreed,we can’t forget,but how can we blame a handful and not ourselves? “Unfortunately,we do…we are responsible too,our leaders have failed us and so has our brotherhood,” agrees Jarnail.

The memories of their Gurudwara being burnt down in Delhi is still fresh,so is the merciless beating of his uncle and brother. Jarnail can not let go of those fateful three days,and as he releases the book,an updated version,he promises more. “It’s not a political stunt,neither am I interested in power or politics. This issue,this book is my mission,yours,everyone’s,for justice,” in a way,Singh has chosen an apt title – an iconic French expression of how citizens can fight injustice and win.