By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi 

MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and MP Bansuri Swaraj lead march from Bangla Sahib to Rakab Ganj Sahib; participants light candles in memory of victims

NEW DELHI: Families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, members of the Sikh community and Delhi BJP Minority Morcha workers on Saturday took out a tribute march from Gurudwara Sri Bangla Sahib to Gurudwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, remembering those who lost their lives in the 1984 tragedy.

Carrying the slogan, “India will never forget the 1984 Sikh Genocide perpetrated by the Congress”, participants recited Gurbani throughout the march. The procession concluded at Gurudwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, where BJP MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Bansuri Swaraj, senior party leader Rajiv Babbar and other participants lit candles in memory of the victims.

The march witnessed participation from hundreds of Sikh women, Nihang groups, families affected by the violence, including residents of Tilak Vihar, and a large number of BJP workers. Several affected family members, including Kartar Singh, Preeti Singh Kaur, Jasveer Kaur, Bhagi Kaur, Paramjeet Kaur and Manpreet Kaur, also joined the procession.

Addressing the gathering, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat said the wounds of the 1984 violence remained deeply etched in the Sikh community’s memory. Referring to the period following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, she alleged that Sikh families were systematically targeted and that Congress leaders and workers were responsible for organising the attacks.

Sehrawat alleged that the Congress had failed to make serious efforts to secure justice for the affected families. She also criticised Rahul Gandhi, claiming that his political activities around November 1 had reopened painful memories for the Sikh community. She urged him to refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could revive those wounds.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj described the 1984 killings as a premeditated conspiracy by the Congress and demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and the party. Referring to the controversial remark made by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi following the violence — “When a big tree falls, the earth shakes” — Swaraj said the statement continued to cause pain among members of the Sikh community.

Swaraj also criticised Rahul Gandhi for organising a rally on November 1, the anniversary of the violence, while, according to her, the affected families continued to await justice.

She credited the Narendra Modi-led government with providing compensation and employment to families affected by the 1984 violence and pursuing action against those accused in the cases. Citing the conviction of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as an example, she said efforts had been made to ensure accountability.

Swaraj further alleged that opposition leaders associated with the INDIA alliance had remained silent on the 1984 violence during Rahul Gandhi’s rally. She called upon Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the nation and the Sikh community and ensure justice for the victims’ families.

The tribute march was organised by the Delhi BJP Minority Morcha, whose workers coordinated the arrangements. Several Delhi BJP office-bearers and party representatives also participated in the event.

Editorial note: The report is based exclusively on the supplied press note. Allegations and political statements have been attributed to the respective BJP leaders rather than presented as independently established findings.