Tamas

A humble pig handler who initially refuses to kill the animal yet is coerced by the thekedar. He commits the act, wrestles with immense guilt, and ultimately becomes a casualty of the ensuing violence. His journey mirrors the collapse of personal ethics under communal pressure, ending with his death in the riot aftermath.

Nathu’s pregnant wife who bears the weight of the crisis with quiet resilience. She witnesses suffering, endures trauma, and goes into labor amid chaos. Her perspective centers the human cost of violence on families and unborn futures.

A Sikh elder and father who, along with his wife Banto, seeks shelter and safety for his family. He embodies the tension between communal identity and humanitarian bonds, navigating danger while maintaining a sense of dignity.

Harnam Singh’s wife, a Sikh woman who travels with her husband and finds herself within refugee dynamics. She endures the uncertainty of displacement and the strain of protecting family members amid chaos.

Daughter of Harnam Singh who embodies the fear and determination of Sikh communities. She becomes a symbol of collective action, including tragic choices that underscore the desperation of those cornered by violence.

Leader of the Sikh council who pushes for armament and organized defense. He represents political and martial responses to threat, complicating fragile attempts at peace and exacerbating cycles of retaliation.

A Muslim friend who shelters the Sikhs in danger and later faces pressure to turn away. He embodies cross-community solidarity and the precarious choices that preserve humanity amidst hostility.

A local political figure who moves among communities to avert violence. He helps steer the Aman Committee and advocates for peaceful coexistence, reflecting political maneuvering during crises.

The Deputy Commissioner who oscillates between restraint and responsibility. He delivers public statements about relief measures and the formation of an Aman Committee, highlighting the administrative attempt to manage chaos.

The contractor who pressures Nathu into killing the pig, acting as a catalyst for the initial act that sparks the violence. His role exposes the manipulation of fear and economic interests in communal conflict.