On the morning of October 31, 1984, what began as a routine diplomatic day in New Delhi would transform into one of the most traumatic experiences in modern Indian history. A Sri Lankan diplomat's journey from the High Commission to a scheduled government meeting would become an eyewitness account of political assassination and communal violence that shook the nation's capital.
The Morning That Changed Everything
At precisely 9:30 AM, the Second Secretary departed from the Sri Lanka High Commission located at Kautilya Marg in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi's diplomatic enclave. The destination was Shastri Bhavan, where a 10 o'clock appointment awaited with Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, then serving as Principal Secretary (Communication) to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
This routine diplomatic engagement would never take place. Instead, the day would be marked by the assassination of India's Iron Lady, triggering a cascade of events that would leave an indelible mark on the country's political landscape and communal harmony.
The Assassination That Shook India
Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984, represented a pivotal moment in Indian politics. The Prime Minister was gunned down by her own Sikh bodyguards in the garden of her residence at 1 Safdarjung Road. This act of violence was reportedly in retaliation for Operation Blue Star, the military action ordered by Gandhi earlier that year to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The assassination sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community in New Delhi. Foreign missions, including the Sri Lankan High Commission, found themselves in the midst of a rapidly deteriorating security situation as news of the Prime Minister's death spread throughout the capital.
Mob Violence Erupts Across Delhi
The immediate aftermath of Gandhi's assassination witnessed unprecedented mob violence targeting the Sikh community. What began as isolated incidents quickly escalated into systematic attacks across Delhi and other parts of northern India. The violence continued for several days, with reports of arson, looting, and killings creating an atmosphere of terror.
Diplomatic personnel, including those from the Sri Lankan mission, found themselves witnesses to scenes of uncontrolled mob fury. The carefully maintained order of New Delhi's government district gave way to chaos as crowds gathered and tensions escalated throughout the day.
The international community watched in horror as one of the world's largest democracies grappled with communal violence on an unprecedented scale. Foreign diplomats reported back to their capitals about the breakdown of law and order in India's political heartland.
Funerals and National Mourning
As the violence continued, preparations began for Indira Gandhi's state funeral. The ceremony, held on November 3, 1984, at Raj Ghat, drew world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe. The funeral procession became a massive outpouring of grief, with millions of Indians lining the streets of Delhi to pay their final respects to their slain leader.
The diplomatic corps, including representatives from Sri Lanka, participated in the solemn ceremonies. The contrast between the formal dignity of the state funeral and the ongoing violence in various parts of the city created a surreal atmosphere that many foreign observers would never forget.
Wreaths and International Condolences
The period following Gandhi's assassination saw an unprecedented flow of international condolences. Diplomatic missions across Delhi were busy coordinating their governments' responses, arranging for floral tributes, and managing the complex protocol requirements during this period of national crisis.
Wreaths from world leaders poured into Delhi as the international community sought to express solidarity with India during its hour of grief. The Sri Lankan government, along with others in the region, recognized the significant implications of Gandhi's death for South Asian politics and stability.
Legacy of a Traumatic Day
The events of October 31, 1984, and their aftermath left lasting scars on India's political and social fabric. The anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced countless families. The incident highlighted the fragile nature of communal harmony and the devastating consequences when political violence spirals out of control.
For the diplomatic community in Delhi, including the Sri Lankan mission, these events provided stark lessons about the unpredictability of political situations and the importance of crisis management protocols. The memories of that day continue to influence how foreign missions prepare for and respond to political emergencies.
The assassination of Indira Gandhi marked not just the end of an era in Indian politics, but also served as a reminder of how quickly stability can give way to chaos, leaving lasting memories etched in the minds of all who witnessed those dark days in Delhi.