JALANDHAR: Emphasising that the Nov 1984 anti-Sikh violence was not mere ‘dange’ (riots) but a Sikh genocide and massacre, Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said justice still eluded the victims and that the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” was appropriate in this case, reports I P Singh.
Khaira added that he was aware that talking about the issue was not easy in Congress and it could cause (political) damage too, but he only spoke for justice. In a video message on his X handle, Khaira posted: “They say ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. This is what has happened with victims of Sikh genocide of 1984 as they’ve been denied justice even after 40 years. This gross injustice with unarmed civilians will continue to be a blot on the criminal justice system and the judiciary of India until justice is rendered.”
In the video, he argued that they were not riots between two communities, but one-sided massacre and genocide. His Facebook account also had a similar message in Punjabi.
“I appeal to all parties, especially our party, to deliver ultimate justice. I think Rahul Gandhi is playing a very big role as the leader of opposition and he is fighting against injustices of all types in the country. He was a kid at that time. For the sake of human values, the Sikhs, who had been working for the welfare of all, should also be given justice,” he added.