NRI Sikhs led by Charanjit Singh, head of “Sikhs for Justice”, a New York-based body, met the Jathedar and sought his intervention to get justice for riot-affected families from the Union government. They alleged that various past probes into the Sikh’s massacre had been nothing but an eyewash and the culprits, instead of going to jail, had been part of the government.

“Our organisation has constituted a commission of inquiry into the anti-Sikh riots. The Jathedar should intervene and asked the affected families to submit their affidavits with this commission, comprising retired judges and advocates. Navkiran Singh, H.S. Phulka, R.S. Bains and B.S. Brar are members of the Commission,” stated the memorandum the NRIs submitted to the Jathedar.

When asked about the Congress leaders’ names, Vedanti said everyone knew who they were. He reiterated that those who killed Gandhi and “avenged” Operation Bluestar were martyrs of the Panth and should not be forgotten.

The Congress had reacted strongly in Delhi and condemned the SGPC’s statement. SGPC chief Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, however, said the anti-Sikh riots were one of the most condemnable acts against the minority community and the victims were still running from pillar to post for justice.

More than 30 members of the 1984 victims were also included in the delegation and had harrowing tales to tell. “More than 25 members of my extended family were butchered by Congressmen. The leaders are scot free and inquiries are giving them clean chits,” said Babu Singh Dukhya, one of the victims. One Jagdeesh Singh from Delhi said his father and mother were burnt alive before his eyes and he saved his life by hiding. He said despite being a prime witness, the CBI never contacted him for his statement.