Pressure builds in India to calm protest by Sikhs

October 13, 1982

The Indian government is expected to come under renewed calls to end unrest by 5 million Sikhs who live in the northern state of Punjab. Hundreds of Sikh demonstrators, many armed with spears and swords as dictated by their custom, stormed Parliament Monday demanding an inquiry into the deaths of 31 political workers in Punjab last month.

Police opened fire, killing four and wounding five. The government is expected to address some of the Sikhs' concerns, such as stricter religious laws and more political freedom.