New Delhi, 22 August (H.S.): Several Sikh leaders and families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots staged a protest outside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s residence in New Delhi on Saturday, demanding an apology over remarks allegedly made by some Congress leaders referring to former party leader Sajjan Kumar as a “hero” and “role model.”

The protest was organised following the death of Sajjan Kumar on Thursday. Kumar, a former Congress leader, had been convicted in a case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The protesters, led by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, gathered outside Gandhi’s residence on Sunehri Bagh Road amid heavy police deployment and barricading.

The protesters questioned whether the Congress considered Sajjan Kumar a “hero” despite his conviction in cases connected with the 1984 violence. They demanded that Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders clarify their position and apologise to the Sikh community.

The DSGMC leaders said remarks allegedly made by Congress leaders had reopened painful memories for families affected by the violence. They argued that the wounds of the Sikh community, decades after the riots, remained deeply sensitive and that any statement appearing to glorify Kumar was unacceptable.

The protesters also referred to a statement attributed to Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda and demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. They said Congress leaders should acknowledge the sentiments of victims and their families and exercise greater sensitivity while speaking about individuals convicted in connection with the 1984 violence.

The DSGMC had earlier alleged that Congress leaders had once again described Sajjan Kumar as a role model, claiming that such remarks had caused distress among members of the Sikh community and families affected by the riots.

Police put up extensive barricading around Gandhi’s residence as the protesters gathered on Saturday afternoon to prevent any disruption and maintain security.

The protest comes amid renewed political debate over the legacy of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the accountability of political figures associated with cases arising from the violence.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar