Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has described the November 1984 anti-Sikh massacre as a blot on India’s democratic legacy, saying families of the victims are still waiting for justice more than four decades after the violence.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Dhami paid tribute to the Sikh men, women and children killed during the violence in Delhi and other parts of the country. He said the wounds of the massacre remained unhealed and that the failure to deliver justice had added to the suffering of affected families.
Dhami Alleges Congress Government Backing During 1984 Violence
Recalling the events of November 1984, Dhami alleged that Sikhs were subjected to brutal attacks from November 1 for nearly a week with the backing of the Congress government in power at the time.
He termed the killings a grave crime against humanity, saying the violence had shocked people across the world. Describing the massacre as a stain on the world’s largest democracy, he said those responsible should have been punished under the law.
Dhami also accused the Congress of protecting leaders who faced allegations in connection with the violence and claimed that some were subsequently given prominent political positions.
SGPC Chief Calls For Justice For Victims’ Families
Dhami said the Sikh community had made significant sacrifices during India’s freedom struggle, yet continued to face injustice. He added that the arrival of November brings back painful memories for survivors and families who lost their loved ones.
He urged governments to take concrete steps to ensure justice for the victims and bring those responsible for the killings to account.
According to Dhami, the demand for justice goes beyond the affected families, as it concerns human rights, democratic values and public faith in the country’s judicial system. He said the families would continue to wait for closure until those responsible were punished.
SGPC To Hold Prayer At Golden Temple Complex On November 2
Dhami said the Sikh community would never forget the tragedy and continues to remember those killed during the massacre every year.
As part of the observances, the SGPC will hold the concluding ceremony of an Akhand Path Sahib at the Sri Darbar Sahib complex on November 2. A special prayer will also be offered in memory of those who lost their lives in the 1984 violence.
