Sikh Body Seeks Disciplinary Action Against BJP MPs Who Offered Condolences to 1984 Riot Convict

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has demanded disciplinary action against three BJP MPs who visited the residence of Sajjan Kumar, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, to offer condolences to his family.

The committee has written to BJP president Nitin Nabin, urging him to take strict action against the MPs. The leaders in question are Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (South Delhi), Kamaljeet Sehrawat (West Delhi), and Yogender Chandolia (Northwest Delhi). Kumar, 80, passed away on August 20 while serving a life sentence for his role in the killings of five men during the riots.

DSGMC chief Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said Kumar was a key perpetrator of the 1984 Sikh genocide and cannot be forgiven under any circumstances. They described the MPs' visit as an act that "rubs salt into the unhealed wounds of the Sikh community."

Kalka drew a parallel with earlier criticism of Congress leader Deepender Hooda, who had referred to Kumar as a role model. "When Congress leader Deepender Hooda referred to him as a party role model, we condemned it strictly. Today, when three BJP MPs go to his house for condolences, we condemn their actions with equal firmness," he said.

Kahlon reminded the MPs of the BJP leadership's historical support for riot victims, citing the efforts of late leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, as well as Rajnath Singh's presence at the inauguration of the 'Wall of Truth'. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally met victim Jagdish Kaur and that the Modi government reopened closed cases related to the 1984 violence, leading to legal action against accused individuals like Jagdish Tytler.

The committee stressed that the BJP must remain firm on the historical stand taken by its senior leadership regarding justice for 1984 riot victims.