1984 anti-Sikh riots ‘biggest lynching’ incident: Rajnath

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 20

Countering the Opposition onslaught on the government over instances of mob lynching, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the 1984 anti-Sikh riot was “biggest” such incident.

Speaking on the lynching incidents, one of the issues cited by the Opposition to attack the government, Singh said the Centre expected that the states take stringent action against perpetrators of such violence and all required assistance would be provided to them.

“The biggest incident of the mob-lynching happened during 1984,” the Home Minister said, referring to the anti-Sikh riot that took place in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination in October 1984. He said the government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and assured that justice would be done to the Sikh community. “We are aware of the pain of our Sikh brothers and sisters,” he said.

Further countering the Congress’ claim that democracy was surviving in India only because of it, Rajnath recalled the great democratic tradition of India by mentioning examples of ancient republic Vaishali and a few other traditions that prevailed in the south.

Comparing Chandragupt Maurya with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said both acquired the top position despite a humble background. Meanwhile, not happy with the content of Rajnath’s speech as he was not addressing issues concerning Andhra Pradesh, TDP members created ruckus in the House by trooping into the well, which forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the proceedings for 15 minutes. Later, the Home Minister gave details of Central assistance to Andhra Pradesh and requested the TDP members to impress upon the state government to implement projects speedily.

Quoting 14th Finance Commission’s recommendations, he expressed difficulties in granting special category status to any state, including Andhra Pradesh.