Archive · 28 Jun 2025
Turkman Gate's Past Echoes: 50 Years After Emergency
During India's Emergency in the 1970s, the government uprooted people in Delhi, especially at Turkman Gate.
Many were forced to have sterilizations, and those who protested were suppressed.
The displaced were sent to new settlements with bad conditions.
These events left lasting memories of fear and hardship.
The demolitions and sterilizations, led by figures like Sanjay Gandhi, caused widespread anger and resistance.
This period continues to affect the lives of those who experienced it.
The article revisits the events of the Emergency in Delhi, focusing on the Turkman Gate demolitions and forced sterilizations.
The 'Nasbandi Colony' was established for those displaced by the demolitions, with poor living conditions persisting.
The Shah Commission reported that police fired on protesters at Turkman Gate on April 19, 1976, resulting in casualties.
Over 1.1 crore sterilizations were carried out during the Emergency, exceeding the government's target.
Residents recall fear and resistance, including the use of the 'Mata Indira Sanjay Act' and pressure for sterilizations.
- Who
- Residents of Turkman Gate and the 'Nasbandi Colony', government officials, and figures involved in the Emergency, including Sanjay Gandhi.
- What
- Recounting events of Turkman Gate demolitions, forced sterilizations, and the impact of the Emergency.
- When
- The article discusses events primarily from 1975-1977, during India's Emergency.
- Where
- Delhi, specifically Turkman Gate and the 'Nasbandi Colony', as well as other areas where displaced people were resettled.
- Why
- To shed light on the events of the Emergency, including the demolition of homes, the forced sterilization program, and the impact on residents.
Emergency Supporters
Emergency Critics
Forced Sterilizations
Emergency Supporters
Advocated for forced sterilizations
Emergency Critics
Condemned forced sterilizations, citing it as a violation of human rights and a cruel measure.
Demolitions and Resettlement
Emergency Supporters
Justified the demolitions and resettlement drives
Emergency Critics
Believed the demolitions were illegal and caused massive disruption of peoples lives.
- Location of Turkman Gate
- Delhi's Walled City
- Location of 'Nasbandi Colony'
- Delhi-Ghaziabad border, adjoining Loni
- Date of Turkman Gate firing
- April 19, 1976
- Number of people killed at Turkman Gate
- Six
- Number of sterilizations
- Over 1.1 crore (between 1975 and 1977)
- Compensation provided to displaced
- DDA flats