The BBC One documentary, 1984: A Sikh Story, has many Sikhs, especially those settled in Britain, up in arms. Back home, the location producer for this documentary, Chandigarh-based Mandeep Singh Bajwa, rues the fact that “even after 25 years of Operation Bluestar and the 1984 Sikh riots, we are not ready to see things objectively”.
Britain-based organisations, like the Council of Sikh Temples, have objected to the projection of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale “like Osama Bin Laden — using pictures of him wearing a turban and holding a gun”. The BBC has received 52 complaints about the documentary, which attracted 1.3 million viewers and was billed as news presenter Sonia Deol’s “journey back to India in a bid to discover how such an attack could ever have taken place”.
Bajwa said, “The events of 1984 are mired in controversy, hurt, anguish and a deep sense of failure. To present a balanced and impartial look at these tragic happenings after a quarter of a century, the BBC produced the documentary 1984: A Sikh Story. It is a review of the year’s events through the eyes of a young British Sikh girl, who travels to Punjab and meets some victims of the tragedy, some who were involved in the riots and some others who gave their views on what 1984 means to them.”
He added, “A thorough research was carried out into all the happenings that had an impact on those times. Every bit of writing, both official and public, from all ends of the spectrum, was thoroughly analysed and weighed. The events were viewed through the eyes of eyewitnesses, victims, opinion makers and analysts. All points of view were allowed to be aired and it is only after thoroughly analysing all contributions that any conclusions were drawn.”
“We were able to get some great interviews with people who saw things with their own eyes or experienced traumatic happenings. Their contribution was significant. We were lucky enough to get permission from the SGPC to not only film in the Parikrima of Darbar Sahib but also record interviews there. In all, it was a very moving experience. A majority of the viewers have appreciated the sensitivity shown while filming and telling the story. The conclusions that we have drawn about the relevance of the events of 1984 today have been applauded by everyone. It is sad that a very small but vocal and aggressive fraction of people has attacked our presenter Sonia Deol on contestable grounds,” said Bajwa.
He said, “There is no conflict between Hindus and Sikhs here in India, there never was. So why shouldn’t Sikhs like Sonia join other Indians in celebrating festivals? I really don’t think showing Damdami Taksal head Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in a turban makes him look like Osama Bin Laden. If one doesn’t show a Sikh in a turban, what else can one show him wearing?”
“After a quarter of a century, the truth must come out, justice must be done and closure must be applied. We need to work towards that end rather than live in a perpetual state of denial. This applies to everyone,” summed up Bajwa.
