New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) BJP workers will take out a protest march on Sunday in Hari Nagar area over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to attack the Congress for the timing of its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march and rally here at Ramlila Maidan.
The Sikh community wants the Congress to apologise for the massacre of innocent Sikhs by its workers on November 1, 1984, before attempting to “relaunch” Rahul Gandhi, Delhi BJP president and Union minister Harsh Malhotra said in a statement.
The protest march in Sikh-dominated Hari Nagar area of West Delhi will also be joined by various Sikh organisations while Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri will lead the march, the statement said.
“It is unfortunate that the Congress has chosen November 1 to relaunch its failed leader, hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community affected by anti-Sikh riots of 1984,” Malhotra said.
The four days from October 31 to November 3 hold a particularly dark place in India’s history, especially in the collective memories of the Sikh community, said the Delhi BJP chief.
“From the evening of October 31, 1984, until November 3, 1984, Congress workers massacred thousands of innocent Sikhs, looted their homes and shops, and set them ablaze,” he charged.
The Congress, by organising its rally in Delhi on November 1, has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. The Sikh people across the country want the Congress to apologise for the massacre of innocent Sikhs on November 1, 1984, he said.
Malhotra claimed several Sikh leaders and office-bearers of Sikh institutions have been meeting BJP leaders over the past 10 days, seeking their support in bringing the sentiments of the Sikh community before the entire society.
He said that the traders in Delhi are also distressed by the Congress’ decision to organise a major rally during the Diwali week.
“They fear that the arrival of thousands of vehicles from outside Delhi tomorrow and the day after will lead to traffic congestion and severely disrupt their businesses. The traders have repeatedly appealed to Congress leaders to postpone the rally until after Diwali, but the party has refused to reconsider their decision,” he said.
The winter action plan against pollution will also roll out on November 1, restricting the entry of non-BS VI vehicles in the city, Malhotra said, and added, “If the Delhi Police stops older vehicles arriving for the rally, Congress leaders may create an uproar and allege that the government is attempting to sabotage their protest.” PTI VIT VIT KSS
KSS
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.