DSGMC demands setting up of SIT to re-open 1984 riot cases

Protest outside Congress Headquarters on January 30

New Delhi, 29-1-2014 (Punjab Post Bureau) – The President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Mr. Manjit Singh G.K. today demanded setting up of special investigation team (SIT) to re-investigate the cases of anti-Sikh riots of 1984 all across the country.Addressing a press conference he said that SIT would re-open all cases of killing of innocent Sikhs which were closed without investigation and also register fresh FIRs, which were never entertained by the police of Delhi and other states despite pleas by the riot victims.

Mr. G.K. said that remarks by congress vice-president Mr. Rahul Gandhi that some congressmen were probably involved in the 1984 riots, has caused lots of discomfort and pain amongst the Sikh community especially large number of families whose members were killed and injured by mob and their properties, shops, factories and vehicles were burnt and looted. About 12000 innocent Sikhs were killed in the riots across the country and 3,000 in national capita

Referring to the Nanavati Commission report of 2005, Mr. G.K. said a total of 587 riots related FIRs were registered in Delhi and out of these 241 were closed by the police as untraced and were never sent to Court for trial. “Keeping entire situation in view, setting up of SIT to reopen and reinvestigate these cases is essential but congress is not interested, which shows that congress was directly involved in unleashing terror on hapless Sikhs,” said Mr. G.K. further adding that as per government records 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi alone in 1984 riots but the number of dead is much higher. “Other than kin of Sikhs killed in riots, a large number of injured, and those who suffered loss to properties, their shops, taxis, and trucks were burnt, never approached the police, be allowed to come forward and lodge FIRs with SIT, as in 1984 there were clear signals by then congress government to the police and administration not to entertain complaints,” added Mr. G.K.

It needs mention here that Mr. Gandhi had also said that there is a difference between the Gujarat Riots and the 1984 riots and stating that congress party led government was not involved in the 1984 riots and he refused to tender any apology. “We don’t want apology but action against the congressmen,” demanded Mr. G.K. “In Gujarat SIT investigated the riot cases which led to life imprisonment to 131 persons, 10 were awarded death sentence and one minister has been sentenced to 28 years imprisonment. But shockingly, in riots of 1984 hardly anyone has been punished,” further said Mr. G.K adding that congress never supported SIT for 1984 riots. Referring to Misra Commission constituted by congress which had said, “if the army had been called in the morning of November 1, 1984—the casualties would not have been so high” Mr. G.K. said that during the 1984 riots, throughout Delhi, Sikhs had been disarmed by the Police and they were arrested from their houses, when they tried to defended themselves and their children. “If this is not connivance of the congress party led government, then we ask Mr. Rahul Gandhi, what is it?” questioned Mr. Manjit Singh G.K. adding that the case of missing charge sheet against Sajjan Kumar from Nangloi police station is glaring example that congress party led government supported the perpetrators of anti-Sikh riots.

DSGMC Joint secretary & MLA Mr. Harmeet  Singh Kalka said that Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s comments are adding insult to injury. “A casual remarks that some congressmen were involved, after 30 years of denial of justice has insulted the Sikh community. If he is so concerned about Sikhs he should name the congressmen, throw them out of the party and make them face the law,” demanded Mr. Kalka. “Those political leaders of the like of Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler and who openly led the mob were rewarded and given high positions. Other two congress leader who also led mob to kill Sikhs in riots including HKL Bhagat and Dharam Das Shashtri had died. The congress party is playing dangerous game by not punishing the perpetrators of riots instead rewarding them,” pointed Mr. Harmeet Singh Kalka.  DSGMC and SAD according to Mr. G.K. would stage protest outside congress party headquarters on Thursday.