New Delhi, August 21: Following the death of Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence for his role in the 1984 riots, the Congress party referred to him as a ‘role model.’ This statement has sparked outrage from senior advocate H.S. Phoolka.
In a press conference on Friday, Phoolka expressed his dismay, stating that Congress should be ashamed for labeling Kumar as a role model. He emphasized the unfortunate reality that Kumar played a significant role in the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, acting under the directives of the party’s top leadership, which consistently provided him protection.
Phoolka asserted that Kumar orchestrated the massacre of Sikhs only after receiving instructions from Congress leaders. At that time, Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister. On November 7, 1984, opposition parties met with Gandhi, yet he absolved Kumar, claiming he had no involvement. Subsequently, reports from the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) identified Kumar as a key perpetrator. During a speech on November 19, Gandhi justified the violence by stating, “When a big tree falls, the earth shakes.”
Phoolka noted that since receiving directives from Gandhi, all individuals involved in the massacre, including Kumar, Jagdish Tytler, Kamal Nath, and H.K.L. Bhagat, were shielded from accountability. Instead, they were honored and promoted within the party. Tytler was appointed to a ministerial position for the first time, while Bhagat’s responsibilities were also increased. Kamal Nath was given a top ministerial role.
It is regrettable that Congress has not changed; individuals like Sajjan Kumar are still considered role models within the party. Victims have submitted numerous affidavits detailing how Kumar led the violent mob. In 1992, a public prosecutor stated that a case could be built against those responsible for the Sikh massacre, yet no action was taken.
Phoolka highlighted that this situation is unprecedented in history. Although a charge sheet was prepared against the accused, it was never filed. The Delhi High Court appointed a public prosecutor 18 years later, in 2010, to investigate the case. However, it was discovered that the charges were linked to another case, and still, no charge sheet was filed. Ultimately, those involved received clean chits, indicating that Congress’s stance remains unchanged.
This situation clearly illustrates that Congress has not altered its approach, and its position remains as it was.
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