Sgpc Performs Ardas For ‘84 Riot Victims

[Azaad]

To seek justice for the 1984 riot victims and to pray for the success of the ongoing peaceful struggle to protect their rights, the SGPC today performed ardas in Gurdwara Jhande-Bunge in the Golden Temple complex and in over 250 other gurdwaras associated with it in the north region.

Interestingly, though, the SGPC had not participated in the November 3 Punjab bandh, organised by an array of panthic organisations like the Dal Khalsa, the SAD (Amritsar) and various factions of the AISSF, the Dal Khalsa general secretary Bhai Kanwarpal Singh turned up to take part in the SGPC-organised ardas at Gurdwara Jhanda-Bunga. Office-bearers and workers of other organisations like the Sant Samaj, Damdami Taksal, Singh Sabhas and Nihang outfits also prayed for the success of the struggle going on for the past more than 25 years.

While the SGPC had started akhand path in various gurdwaras across the region on November 6, the SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal had exhorted people of the country and all right-minded people of the world to assemble at their nearest religious places on November 8 to pray and seek speedy delivery of justice to 1984 riot victims. He had also given a memorandum to the National Human Rights Commission in this regard.

The ardas at Gurdwara Jhande-Bunge was performed after bhog of the akhand path at around 8 am while the jatha of the Hazoori Raagi Bhai Gagandeep Singh rendered kirtan.

The SGPC chief Avtar Singh thanked various Sikh organisations for extending their support for the cause of the victims and their families. He announced that the ongoing peaceful struggle for the cause of the victims would continue till justice was accorded to them and their families.

Ardas was also held in a number of other gurdwaras across the region.

Umesh Dewan adds from Patiala: Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal has announced that a state-level committee would be constituted for 1984 riots victims under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Punjab Parkash Singh Badal. Sukhbir, who was in the city for a collective prayer at Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib, said: “The SAD would provide best possible legal aid to the members of the families of the victims to take the criminal cases to their logical end and ensure justice for all.” The Deputy CM lambasted the Congress for not regretting the involvement of its party members in inciting the mob to kill thousands of Sikhs. Sukhbir said: “It is callousness that even after 25 years, no one has been brought to justice.” He added that even after the Nanawati Commission’s recommendations, the present government is not granting sanctions for trials in the cases registered against Congress leaders. Launching scathing attacks on the CBI, junior Badal said under pressure of its political master, nation’s premier investigation agency was also bent upon to scuttle the legal procedure. He pointed out that even most of the police and civil officials, who were charged with dereliction of duty and offering protection to the attackers, were not only exonerated but also given out of turn promotions. Badal demanded that in order to ensure justice, the UPA government should re-open all cases. Earlier, after the Akhand Path, Shabad Kirtan was organised. The head Granthi of the Gurdwara performed Ardas for early justice to the families of the victims of 1984’s Sikh carnage and peace to the departed souls.

[Azaad]

People from all walks of life today performed ‘ardas’ for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims after both Akali Dal and the SGPC had announced to observe the day as the ‘ardas diwas’ (prayer day). Muslims, too, offered prayers at the local Jama Masjid.

Prayers at various gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, were organised. Those who attended the solemn occasion demanded stringent punishment for those guilty of instigating and leading rioters against the Sikhs in the aftermath of the Indira Gandhi’s assassination by two of her bodyguards at her residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984.

“People of Punjab are peace loving and they will not support any activity which would disturb the peace and tranquility of the state. Performing ‘ardas’ for the departed souls and seeking justice for them is the best thing we can do for them,” said Kulwinder Singh, a city resident at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib after performing the prayer.

While Muslims in large numbers gathered at Jama Masjid, Field Ganj, and offered special prayers for expediting the justice to the thousands of families of victims of 1984 riots. Shahi Imam of Punjab while addressing the gathering said they offered prayer for those who became victims of 1984 riots.

The entire Muslim community is extending their support for getting justice to those Sikh families, who were brutally killed during the riots. Urging the people to have faith in different religions and come together at the time of need.

While Hira Singh Gabria, Jail, cultural affairs, tourism and printing and stationery minister, after offering prayer at Gurdwara Shree Kalgidhar Singh Sabha said the Sikh community believes in peace and harmony and have given sacrifices for the freedom of the country. “It is very sad that even after 25 years these people have failed to get justice,” he added.

[SaRpAnCh]

Nice to see Shahi Imam and the Muslims of Panjab supporting the cause as always

[Guest Bloom]

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