SGPC seeks action against cops for ‘destroying evidence’

Panel was set up in 2011 to probe the killings during 1984 riots

: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal, in a letter addressed to the Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday, sought action against the police officers allegedly involved in brutal massacre of scores of Sikhs in Hondh Chillar village of Rewari district, Haryana, during the 1984 antiSikh riots.

“34 years have passed since the murder of Sikh members in the village but Haryana government has never taken any action against the cops who tried to hide the episode and even destroyed evidences suggesting violence,” wrote the SGPC chief.

“Despite recommendations of the Justice TP Garg Commission, the government did not act, “stated the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief in the letter.

He said, “The commission constituted to conduct probe in the matter in March 2011 had named four police officers who tried to destroy evidences of the incident”.

He also targeted the then Haryana chief minister (CM) Bhajan Lal and stated, “He promoted these officers instead of taking any action. One was promoted to the rank of deputy general of police (DGP home guard) and others were promoted as superintendents of police, deputy superintendent of police”.

Referring the report of the Justice TP Garg Commission, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief mentioned in the letter that the killers came by public transport buses to the village, which suggests involvement of the state in the offence.

“It is unfair that the tainted police officers are being sheltered ever since the incident took place. They should be awarded exemplary punishment as such punishments can heal the wounds of the Sikh community”, he added.

46,000 DEVOTESS PARTAKE AMRIT

Under the ‘Dharam Parchar Lehar’ launched by SGPC in January this year, over 46,000 devotees have partaken amrit, said Diljit Singh Bedi, spokesperson and additional secretary.

He said the drive was launched under the guidance of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief to spread Sikhism and its principles among the people. He further mentioned that the drive had received overwhelming response from the sangat.

The drive has been launched in three different regions of Punjab — Majha, Malwa and Doaba.

34 years have passed, but the Haryana government has not taken any action against cops involved in the incident.

GOBIND SINGH LONGOWAL, president, SGPC