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New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) On the 41st anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and families of the victims gathered at Delhi’s Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to light candles at the “Sach Di Deewar” (Wall of Truth) and pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka said the Sikh community has been fighting for justice for more than four decades.
He told IANS, “Thousands of Sikhs were burnt alive during the riots 40 years ago. Every year, we organize this event to remember them and renew our demand for justice. This year, we continue to call for a truth commission to ensure justice for all the victims. The genocide should be officially recognised.”
Kalka also hit out hard at the Congress party, saying, “Even if the Congress apologizes now, it is too late. Instead of justice, they gave posts and Z-plus security to the leaders responsible. There can never be a compromise with the Congress in this matter. They are paying for their actions today.”
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reopening previously closed cases, including that of Sajjan Kumar, and creating a new SIT to ensure accountability.
He said, “Today Sajjan Kumar is in jail and the government has taken steps to provide employment to the children of the victims through new policies. But the fight is still long and we hope the government will ensure speedy justice.”
Nirmal Kaur, who lost her father in Trilokpuri, said, “We are still living with the pain of 1984. Every year on November 1, seeing my father’s name on the wall feels like the riots are happening again. He was burnt alive in front of my eyes. Even after 42 years, the wounds have not healed. Congress betrayed us. We are still demanding justice, going to court every year, but the government has not taken action. Sajjan Kumar or Jagdish Why has Tytler not been punished yet?”
Bagi Kaur, another survivor, shared, “I lost 11 members of my family in Trilokpuri. Even after 41 years, we have not got justice. The Congress has never apologized to us. They claim remorse, but in reality, nothing has been done. Widow colonies exist in name only – what support have we got? Our children are unemployed. We thank the Gurdwara Management Committee for their continued support.”
Survivors expressed hope in the current government, saying, “Congress has remained silent for decades, but with the BJP in power, we are hopeful that our children will get jobs and our families will finally be able to support themselves.”
–IANS
BRT/and