1984 survivors, Sikh groups question timing of INDIA bloc rally on Nov 1, seek apology

NewsIndia News1984 survivors, Sikh groups question timing of INDIA bloc rally on Nov 1, seek apology 1984 survivors, Sikh groups question timing of INDIA bloc rally on Nov 1, seek apology Sikh riot survivors and BJP leaders protest Congress's decision to hold the INDIA bloc rally on the 42nd anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh killings NEW DELHI: Survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh killings and Sikh organisations Sunday questioned Congress's decision to hold the INDIA bloc rally on Nov 1, the 42nd anniversary of the massacre.

With Punjab assembly elections due in 2027, the rally's timing also gave BJP political ammunition against Congress.The day saw a BJP-organised protest march in West Delhi, objections from victims' groups and renewed demands for justice.In West Delhi, Sikh community members and survivors joined a march from Hari Nagar towards Tilak Nagar, demanding an apology from Congress and Rahul Gandhi.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior advocate HS Phoolka, who has represented riot victims for decades, participated."Nov 1 is not only a black day for the Sikhs but the entire country.

They (Congress) should also observe it as a black day and hang their heads in shame," Phoolka had said ahead of the rally.The 1984 Riot Victims Welfare Society also objected to the timing of the rally. Its representatives, who had met Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday, said Nov 1 was a day of mourning, not political mobilisation.

They also raised pending demands for housing, employment and rehabilitation.Join conversation InsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig Development Society president Surjit Singh sought dignified rehabilitation, while women's wing president Bibi Gurdeep Kaur recalled losing eight family members in the violence.Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, who met survivors in Delhi, recalled losing four family members and alleged that the killings were systematically planned.Separately, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami described the massacre as "a stain on the forehead of the world's largest democracy".

"Until those responsible are punished for their actions, the hearts of the victim families will not find peace," he said. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Manash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance.

Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact.

Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change. “Super Flop Rally”: Sambit Patra Mocks INDIA Bloc, Asks “Where Are The 10 Lakh People?” Amit Shah Slams Congress Rally On 1984 Riots Anniversary, Says It Rubs Salt Into Victims’ Wounds ‘Gyanesh Kumar Is Modi’s Puppet’: Tejashwi Yadav’s ‘Mahabharata’ Attack At Anti-SIR Rally ‘Modi Hatao, Democracy Bachao’: Kharge Leads INDIA Bloc Attack On BJP Over ‘Vote Chori’ Claims Today 'Rahul Gandhi Acting For Foreign Powers': Nitin Nabin's Dig Over 13 Crore Voter Deletion Row ‘2024 Election Was Stolen’: Rahul Gandhi Vows Action Against Gyanesh Kumar At INDIA Bloc Rally Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP Over Connaught Place Shutdown During INDIA Bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ March Today Shashi Tharoor Targets Election Commission Over 130 Million Voter Deletions At INDIA Bloc Rally JP Nadda Calls INDIA Bloc Rally A ‘Conspiracy’ To Create Anarchy, Targets Rahul Gandhi Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘Double Zero’ Jibe At BJP After SP Sweeps Both Varanasi MLC Seats In UP Polls