Jalandhar: Emphasising that Nov 1984 anti-Sikh violence was not ‘dange’ (riots) but Sikh genocide and massacre, Congress MLA from Bholath seat Sukhpal Singh Khaira has said justice still eluded the victims and the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” was appropriate in this case.He added he knewthat talking about the issue was not easy in Congress and could cause (political) damage also, but he only spoke for justice.In a video message on his X handle, Khaira posted: “They say ‘Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied’. This is what has happened with victims of Sikh genocide of 1984 as they’ve been denied justice even after 40 years. This gross injustice with unarmed civilians will continue to be a blot on the criminal justice system and the judiciary of India until justice is rendered.”He posted the video, in which he argued in the beginning that these were not riots between two communities, but one-sided massacre and genocide. His Facebook account also had a similar message in Punjabi.
“I appeal to all parties, especially our party, to deliver ultimate justice. I think Rahul Gandhi is playing a very big role as leader of the opposition and he is fighting against injustices of all types in the country. He was a kid at that time. For the sake of human values, the Sikhs, who had been working for the welfare of all, should also be given justice,” he said.Khaira argued that justice was done in the case of assassination of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, but there was no justice for thousands of victims who suffered the massacre. Making a special mention of senior advocate H S Phoolka for fighting the long legal battle for justice and still continuing with it, he said: “I salute him.”He also appreciated SGPC and other NGOs who helped the victims. “I hope all top institutions, from judiciary to Parliament, deliver justice or the fight for it will continue and the pain will never go,” he added.Khaira happens to be the only Congress leader in Punjab who has spoken up on the issue. In fact, most Congress leaders maintain a silence on the catastrophic events of 1984 and they speak up about November 1984 only when faced with questions.