1984 Sikh Massacre Victims Challenge Rahul Gandhi to an Open Debate
Congress Neither Apologised Nor Made Any Effort to Heal the Wounds of the Victims: Survivors
Justice Would Never Have Been Delivered Had Congress Remained in Power: Victims
Chandigarh, November 4 (WISHAVWARTA);- During the second session, titled “The Sikh Massacre: When and How,” at the ‘Zakhm 84’ conference, victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre recounted the horrific atrocities they endured and their decades-long struggle for justice. The session was attended by Nirpreet Kaur, Satpal Kaur, Darshan Kaur, Sonia Kaur, Jagsher Singh, and several other survivors.
Sharing the harrowing experiences of their families during the massacre, Bibi Nirpreet Kaur recalled how she witnessed her family being torn apart at the age of just 16 and how she subsequently had to wage a prolonged battle for justice. The victims accused Congress of neither apologising for the massacre nor making any effort to heal their wounds. They also challenged Rahul Gandhi to an open debate.
Moderating the session, R.P. Singh began by pointing out that Rahul Gandhi had recently been issuing challenges for debates. He, too, challenged Gandhi to debate the 1984 massacre with Ravi Shankar Prasad, H.S. Phoolka, and Bibi Nirpreet Kaur.
The survivors who shared their testimonies repeatedly urged Rahul Gandhi to debate the role of his family, the Congress party, and Congress governments in the anti-Sikh massacre. Describing the massacre as a well-planned conspiracy, they accused Congress of failing to apologise and ensure justice for the victims.
The Story of Nirpreet Kaur
Nirpreet Kaur recalled that she was 16 years old at the time of the 1984 massacre and that her family lived in Power Colony, Delhi. On October 31, Balwan Khokhar visited their home and offered to employ her brother as a driver. However, she alleged that the offer was merely a pretext to ascertain the number of family members.
That night, two policemen visited their home and assured the family of protection. The following day, a mob allegedly involving Balwan Khokhar, Krishna Khokhar, and others surrounded their house. The mob was allegedly incited to kill her nine-year-old brother, who was referred to as a “snake’s offspring.” Her father tried to protect the children, while the family endured the mob’s attack for nearly four hours.
Their truck was set ablaze. After the police allegedly pressured the family to reach a compromise, the house came under attack once again.
Nirpreet Kaur accused Sajjan Kumar of standing in front of a police jeep and instigating the mob against Sikhs. She said that several lives were saved with the help of Air Force Wing Commander N.S. Pannu.
She further recounted that she was arrested under the TADA and imprisoned, including at Tihar Jail. Her husband was also allegedly killed in a fake police encounter. Despite the proceedings of the Nanavati Commission and the reopening of her father’s case, her struggle for justice continued for years.
Atrocities Committed Against Women
During the session, Bhagi Kaur recounted the horrific atrocities committed against women, stating that they were stripped naked, forced to sit in that condition, and gang-raped throughout the night.
It was also stated that a butcher named Kishori Lal had killed seven Sikhs using a meat-cleaver-like weapon. The Congress government led by Sheila Dikshit allegedly made efforts to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
Satpal Kaur recalled that she was just 11 years old when her neighbours saved her and her four sisters by hiding them under a cot. The sisters were subsequently placed in Nari Niketan, where H.S. Phoolka traced them and, through legal proceedings, secured their custody for their maternal grandfather.
To support and raise her three sisters, Satpal Kaur had to wash utensils in people’s homes for a meagre Rs. 20 per household. She stated that she received neither employment nor a pension.
Murder of Captain Ghuman
Another victim recounted the killing of retired Captain Ghuman Singh Chahal, who had fought in four wars. Despite being paralysed, he was allegedly burnt alive in his own home. His son’s academic degrees were also destroyed in the fire.
Jagsher Singh recalled witnessing the violence in Palam when he was just 18 years old. He said that Pandit Ram Avtar had provided him shelter during that period. He also referred to allegations that Sajjan Kumar had instigated the mob and highlighted the crucial role played by the Sikh Regiment and the Air Force in rescuing people.
He further recounted the difficulties faced during the CBI investigation and while giving evidence before the courts.
