Gurlad Singh Khallon, the petitioner in the Supreme Court case seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, led a significant protest march in New Delhi.
This event vividly underscored the Sikh community’s collective trauma and persistent demand for accountability for the atrocities committed during this tragic chapter of India’s history.
The march began at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a site of profound religious and cultural significance for Sikhs, symbolizing their resilience and unrelenting pursuit of justice. It culminated with the submission of a public memorandum to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, demanding a formal apology from the Congress party for its alleged role in the 1984 riots. The memorandum detailed the party’s historical “failure” to address the systemic violence, including the destruction of gurdwaras, mass killings, sexual violence, and the forced displacement of thousands of Sikh families.
Khallon, a prominent advocate for justice, delivered a searing critique of Priyanka Gandhi’s perceived indifference to the plight of Sikh victims. He asserted, “Why has the suffering of Sikhs been forgotten by the Gandhi family? Sikhs were mercilessly slaughtered, their women assaulted in front of their families—how can this be overlooked?” His remarks captured the unresolved anguish of a community still grappling with the aftermath of 1984.
The protest also highlighted the dire living conditions in Delhi’s Widows’ Colony, where survivors of the violence continue to endure neglect and deprivation. Khallon called on Priyanka Gandhi to address these pressing issues and issue an apology on behalf of her party. “Priyanka Gandhi should come forward, address the issue, and apologize for Congress’ role in the violence,” he stated, emphasizing the need for moral and political accountability.
Recent events brought renewed attention to the discourse surrounding the 1984 riots. Priyanka Gandhi’s gesture of carrying a tote bag in Parliament, symbolizing solidarity with Palestinians and Bangladeshi Hindus, prompted a BJP MP to gift her a tote bag emblazoned with a symbol linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
This act reignited calls for the Congress party to confront its historical legacy and take responsibility for its actions during that period.
As the peaceful protest concluded, the demonstrators’ message was unequivocal: justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is long overdue. The Sikh community’s unwavering call for accountability and a formal apology from the Gandhi family continues to gather momentum. Their steadfast commitment to justice reflects their resilience and determination to secure acknowledgment and closure for one of the darkest episodes in India’s modern history.
