Jalandhar, Punjab (November 1, 2013): Losing all faith in the political as well as justice system of the India, the Dal Khalsa and Akali Dal Panch Pardhani (ADPP) have demanded a UN probe into the killings of Sikhs in November 1984 in various parts of India, on the pattern of the UN probe done in the case of the killing of former Pakistani President Ms. Benazir Bhutto.
It is significant to note that the United Nations probe into the death of Ms. Bhutto took place in background of a massive public outcry after her death and the people’s lack of faith in the then Pakistan government conducting a fair probe as people suspected the role of country’s then ruler in the murder.
A view of Justice and Freedom March at Jalandhar (November 01, 2013)
The organizations categorically stated that they had quoted the case of Ms Bhutto to tell that scope of probe by International body is very much possible, although there is no similarity between Nov killings and murder of Ms Bhutto.
Hundreds of activists of both the groups carrying saffron flags in hands marched on the streets of Jalandhar under the banner of ‘Freedom March’ amid tight security. Heavy police force led by senior officers was present enroute the march.
Protestors were displaying posters on which Rajiv Gandhi and Narsima Rao were termed as “accused” in the Nov killings and UN probe was sought. Another poster had a message of Azadi for Sikhs. They chanted slogans in favour of Azadi.
Earlier the activists gathered at local Gurudwara, where tributes paid to the victims of politics of genocide and hated. The Ardas was performed in memory of those killed during the carnage.
Speaking at the well-attended ‘Freedom March’ organized by the two radical groups in Jalandhar today, Bhai Harcharanjeet Singh Dhami and Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, heads of both the parties said that, “the Congress party, the Congress government, the Congress leadership and even the opposition parties including the BJP who have ruled at the centre are responsible for the carnage, injustice and inability to bring the culprits to book. They said the Congress ruled then and rules today. It would be foolhardy to expect justice from the “accused”. Hence there was no choice but to urge the UN to intervene and conduct an international probe, they said.
Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said we seek a response on the certain aspects of the tragedy that befell the Sikh community: What was the role of the then hastily anointed Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi and Home Minister Mr. Narsimha Rao during those days? What were the various acts of omission and commission by the political and bureaucratic leadership during the pogram and thereafter? He while talking with media said they would relentlessly pursue the struggle to secure the right to self-determination for the Sikhs.
Former IAS Gurtej Singh, Human Rights Activist Advocate Navkiran Singh and Advocate Amar Singh Chahal, Bhai Mandhir Singh, Paramjit Singh Gazi, Prabhjot Singh and Baba Ajit Singh also spoke on the occasion. To express solidarity with aggrieved Sikh community, former DGP Shashi Kant also took part in the procession.
Baba Hardeep Singh Mehraj, Bhai Amrik Singh Issru, Former Punjab police DGP and founder of Nasha Virodhi Manch Shashi Kant, Sarbjit Singh Ghuman, SYP head Ranvir Singh, Manjit Singh also took part in the march.