Ranju Aery Dadhwal
This book examines the politicization of victims of terrorism and the reality of the victimization experience of Hindus of Punjab. A very short introduction into the historical, ideological and local and foreign roots of terrorist violence in Punjab in which Hindus are being embattled till today. This violent war of politics and power lasted for almost a decade. Families of Hindus killed or migrated from the state have been shedding tears for the last three decades. Terrorism/ Terrorist does not have a widely agreed definition but is widely accepted as a method of coercion. Victims of terrorism are a unique group of individuals whose experience is overlooked in Punjab on terrorism. Unlike America, where we have seen lobbying activities and political involvement of the victims of terrorism in policy-making and law-enforcement transformations, Punjab has forgotten Hindu terrorist victims for political gains. Killed to lay the foundation of Khalistan or were terrorized and forced to flee the state. To this day these People are deprived of not only justice but even the red-cards given to the families of the victims of terrorism. Without the card they are deprived of the government concessions available to them. This book is based on field work in Punjab, Haryana, some parts of Himachal and Delhi. This focuses on the needs and experiences of victims of terrorism and political violence and does not intend to create a rift between the communities. This book will be of much interest to students of terrorism and political violence for power, victim’s condition and disparities in justice delivered, if any.
