The Delhi court’s decision to acquit former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in a case linked to the alleged instigation of violence during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots has come as a deep setback for survivors and families who have waited decades for justice.
In Ludhiana, families of riot victims gathered to raise slogans against the verdict, alleging that justice has once again been denied. They announced plans to stage a protest in Delhi in the coming days.
For many survivors, the ruling has reopened wounds that never truly healed.
Gurdev Kaur, who lost her husband in the riots, broke down upon hearing the verdict. “Today is a black day for me. I lost my husband in the riots and my whole life changed afterwards. The pain is still there, but the sad part is that after so many years, the government has failed to give us justice,” she said, her voice trembling.
Her grief echoes across generations. “Why are we not getting justice? Why has the court acquitted him? My children grew up without a father, and our lives were ruined overnight,” she added.
For Gurdeep Kaur, the memories remain unbearable. She lost two brothers-in-law during the massacre. “I was walking over dead bodies. We could not even perform the last rites. This still haunts me. The pain has only deepened after this decision. Why is nobody listening to our voice?” she asked.
Leaders of the Danga Peedat Welfare Society voiced similar anguish. Surjit Singh, the society’s president, said, “Many Sikhs have passed away waiting for justice. Perhaps it is better they are not alive to see this day. We will approach the apex court and not let injustice prevail.” He added that meetings are being planned across Punjab to mobilize for protests in Delhi.
Daljit Singh, the society’s secretary, emphasized that being a minority does not mean Sikhs should be denied justice. “The 1984 riots were an unfortunate and unforgettable tragedy. This decision ensures that the incident will never be forgotten. Sikhs have always stood at the forefront in times of crisis for the nation, yet when it comes to justice, we are left behind,” he said.
Rajwant Kaur, another survivor, expressed her determination, “We are still seeking justice. We will approach higher authorities. He is a culprit, and we will demand capital punishment for Sajjan Kumar.