Anti-Sikh Riot Survivors Say Rally Would Reopen Old Wounds

Several survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots have raised strong objections to a proposed November 1 rally by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Ramlila Maidan, saying the event would rub salt into old wounds.

The victims' families argue that the date carries a painful history, as Sikhs were attacked in Delhi and other areas on November 1, 1984. They say that linking a political programme to that date is deeply hurtful for the community.

Another victim accused Rahul Gandhi of playing with the emotions of the Sikh community. Referring to an alleged remark he made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the victim said Sikhs see the Gandhi family and remember relatives killed in the violence and gurdwaras that were burned. He also alleged that the Congress gave political responsibilities to some leaders who had been blamed for the 1984 violence, naming Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar and Kamal Nath.

The victim also expressed anger over compensation, claiming it was not adequate compared with the losses suffered by affected families. He contrasted this with demands for large compensation made after political agitations, saying the 1984 victims had not been treated in the same way. He appealed to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to show sensitivity towards the old wounds of the Sikh community.

Kamaljit Singh Dhir, another victim of the 1984 riots, called the proposed rally shameful. He said the Congress should focus on apologising to the Sikh community rather than holding political events. Dhir recalled that during the period when Rajiv Gandhi led the Congress government, Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, and he referred to Rajiv Gandhi's alleged remark about the earth shaking when a big tree falls. He said more than 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and that people were also targeted in areas such as Kalyanpuri and Trilokpuri near Mayur Vihar. He said the Congress should apologise to the victims rather than hold a rally.