ENSURING JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE 1984 ANTI-SIKH MASSACRE IS NOT POLITICS, BUT OUR DUTY. *THOSE UNDER WHOSE RULE ALLEGATIONS OF BOOTH CAPTURING SURFACED ARE NOW MAKING ALLEGATIONS ABOUT ‘VOTE CHORI’: CHIEF MINISTER
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Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp attack on the Congress, saying that the party had 365 days of the year to hold a rally against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), but its decision to choose November 1 raises serious questions.
He said that every political party has the right to express its views in a democracy, and the government respects that right. However, why did the Congress choose this particular date? November 1, 1984, was the day when the horrific phase of anti-Sikh violence began in Delhi. Thousands of Sikh families lost their loved ones, and the pain of that tragedy remains alive in their hearts even today. Dates are recorded not only on calendars but also in the collective memory of the nation. Why, then, choose the very day associated with one of the most painful memories of the Sikh community? On a day when the Sikh community bows its head in remembrance of its martyrs, will the Congress set up a stage and raise political slogans? If it is a coincidence, the Congress should state so openly and demonstrate sensitivity towards the sentiments of the Sikh community. If it is not a coincidence, the matter becomes even more serious. In either case, the Congress is accountable.
The Chief Minister said that November 1 is a day of mourning and remembrance for the Sikh community. If an attempt is made to overshadow those memories with political slogans and noise on that day, questions are bound to arise. Our concern for the victims of 1984 is not a matter of politics, but of compassion and duty. Standing with the victims is not a favour; it is our moral responsibility.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted in 2015, reopening the way for reinvestigation into the long-pending cases related to the 1984 violence. As part of this process, Congress leader Sajjan Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment. He said that it was only when files that had remained closed for years were reopened that the victims’ hopes of obtaining justice were strengthened.
He said that the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor fulfilled the sangat’s decades-old prayer. To honour the extraordinary sacrifices of the Sahibzadas at the national level, December 26 was declared Veer Bal Diwas. Furthermore, arrangements were made under the Seva Bhoj Yojana to reimburse the GST levied on langar served at gurdwaras. These steps reflect respect for the Sikh community’s faith, spirit of service and tradition of sacrifice.
*Decision to provide government jobs to members of 121 families affected by the 1984 violence in Haryana is a step towards their dignified rehabilitation*
The Chief Minister said that the violence of 1984 had also left deep scars in Haryana. As many as 121 people lost their lives in the state, while 20 gurdwaras, 221 houses, 154 shops and 57 factories were set on fire. No measure can fully compensate these families for their losses. However, recognising its responsibility towards them, the government decided in the Legislative Assembly that members of these 121 families would be provided government jobs so that they could move forward in life with dignity.
He said that it is the government’s duty to show sensitivity towards families who had to wait for decades to secure their rights and obtain justice. It is essential to understand the pain of the Sikh community and honour its history and sacrifices.
Reacting to the statement made by Sardar Tirlochan Singh, the Chief Minister said that he is a leader who has contested elections on a Congress ticket. His public statement alleging that people had been sent with weapons to capture polling booths has raised serious questions. The Congress leadership should clarify its position on the statement and tell the nation whether it accepts or refutes the remarks made by its own leader.
The Chief Minister said that this is not merely an allegation levelled by an opposition party, but a public statement made by a leader who has been associated with the Congress. In a democracy, political parties are responsible for answering such serious questions. Instead of offering vague explanations, the Congress should clearly state its position on what its leader has said.
Congress allegations over SIR reflect double standards
The Chief Minister said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is not a new process. Under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Election Commission is empowered to revise electoral rolls. Intensive revision exercises have been undertaken in various years since Independence, including during several periods when the Congress was in power. Therefore, accusing the same process of facilitating vote theft today, after accepting it in the past, exposes the Congress’s double standards.
He said that removing the names of deceased persons, those who have shifted residence and duplicate entries is essential to maintaining clean electoral rolls and ensuring fair elections. No eligible citizen should be deprived of the right to vote, and adequate opportunities are available under the prescribed procedure to get one’s name included in the electoral rolls. Eligible citizens can apply to have their names included through Form 6, their Booth Level Officer (BLO), or the Voter Helpline App.
The Chief Minister said that the strength of democracy depends on transparent and reliable electoral rolls. Elections are won through the people’s votes, not through pressure or the use of weapons. Therefore, before questioning SIR, the Congress should also answer questions concerning its own tenure in government and statements made by its leaders.
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s slogan, ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’, the Chief Minister said that speaking about love and brotherhood is a good thing, but the real test lies in one’s conduct and accountability. The Congress should explain what place the suffering of families affected by the 1984 violence has in its ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ and why the party leadership remains silent on the serious statement made by its own Sikh leader.
He said that the Congress must provide clear answers to three questions. First, why was November 1 specifically chosen for the rally against SIR? Second, what is the Congress leadership’s position on Sardar Tirlochan Singh’s statement regarding booth capturing? Third, why does the Congress not answer questions concerning its past electoral practices and its tenure in government before levelling allegations of vote theft?
The Chief Minister said that concealing history does not change the truth, and political slogans cannot erase questions about the past. The memories, struggles and injustices suffered by the victims of 1984 cannot be forgotten. Respecting the sentiments of the Sikh community and continuing efforts to secure justice for the affected families is everyone’s responsibility. The Congress, too, must clarify its position on these serious questions.
