NewKerala.com

1984 Riots: Why Survivors Vow 'No Forgiveness' for Congress After 41 Years

Forty-one years after the tragic anti-Sikh riots, survivors gathered at Delhi's Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to remember those lost. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president strongly condemned Congress for protecting riot leaders instead of delivering justice. Survivors shared heartbreaking stories of losing multiple family members and living with unhealed wounds for decades. While expressing gratitude for the current government's efforts to reopen cases, they emphasized that the fight for complete justice continues.

Key Points: 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Survivors Demand Justice Attack Congress

  • Survivors demand official recognition of 1984 violence as genocide
  • Congress accused of protecting riot leaders with Z-plus security
  • Gratitude expressed for Modi government reopening closed cases
  • Families continue annual court visits seeking punishment for Sajjan Kumar
3 min read

'We won't forget or forgive': 1984 riot survivors attack Congress, urge swift justice

41 years after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, survivors gather at Delhi's Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, demanding justice and condemning Congress for inaction while thanking Modi government for reopening cases.

"Even if Congress apologises now, it is too late - Harmeet Singh Kalka, DSGMC President"

New Delhi, Nov 1

On the 41st anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and the families of victims gathered at the “Sach Di Deewar” (Wall of Truth) at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi to light candles and pay homage to those who lost their lives.

Harmeet Singh Kalka, President of DSGMC, said the Sikh community has been fighting for justice for over four decades.

"Thousands of Sikhs were burnt alive during the riots 40 years ago. Every year, we hold this programme to remember them and renew our demand for justice. This year, we continue to call for a Truth Commission to ensure justice for all victims. The genocide must be officially recognised," he told IANS.

Kalka also came heavily down on the Congress party, saying, "Even if Congress apologises now, it is too late. Instead of justice, they gave positions and Z-plus security to the very leaders responsible. There can never be a compromise with Congress regarding this matter. They are paying for their actions today."

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reopening cases that had been previously closed, including that of Sajjan Kumar, and for forming a new SIT to ensure accountability.

"Today, Sajjan Kumar is in jail, and the government has taken steps to employ the children of victims through new policies. But the fight is still long, and we hope the government will ensure speedy justice," he added.

Nirmal Kaur, who lost her father in Trilokpuri, said, "We still live with the pain of 1984. On November 1 every year, seeing my father's name on the wall feels like the riots are happening again. He was burnt alive before my eyes. Even after 42 years, the wounds have not healed. Congress betrayed us. We still seek justice, going to court every year, but the government has not acted. Why hasn't Sajjan Kumar or Jagdish Tytler been punished yet?"

Bagi Kaur, another survivor, shared, "I lost 11 family members in Trilokpuri. After 41 years, we have yet to see justice. Congress has never apologised to us. They claim remorse, but in reality, nothing has been done. The widow colonies exist in name only--what support have we received? Our children remain unemployed. We thank the Gurdwara Management Committee for their continued support."

The survivors expressed hope in the current government, saying, "The Congress has remained silent for decades, but with the BJP in power, we hope our children will get jobs and our families can finally sustain themselves."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
As a Hindu, I stand with our Sikh brothers and sisters. No political party should be allowed to get away with such atrocities. The Congress party's silence speaks volumes about their guilt.
P
Priya S
My heart breaks reading about Nirmal Kaur losing her father. Imagine living with that trauma for 42 years! The government must ensure swift justice and proper rehabilitation for all victims. 💔
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the current government's efforts, we must acknowledge that justice should be above politics. All political parties need to come together to ensure such tragedies never happen again in our democracy.
A
Anjali F
🫸 11 family members lost! Bagi Kaur's story is heartbreaking. The widow colonies need real support, not just names. Employment for victims' children is the least we can do as a nation.
S
Sarah B
The establishment of a Truth Commission is crucial for national healing. We need to document what really happened and ensure such communal violence never repeats. Justice must prevail for future generations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50