New Delhi, India (February 23, 2013): It is learnt that the recently constituted General House of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) in it’s meeting held on February 22, 2013 unanimously adopted a resolution to erect a peace memorial in memory of victims of Sikh Genocide 1984 in Gurdwara Rakabganj complex, adjacent to Indian Parliament in Delhi.
The proposal was reportedly floated in the house by president of DSGMC Manjit Singh GK which was unanimously approved amidst slogans of “Bole So Nihal – Sat Sri Akal”.
However, as per certain media reports, three members owing allegiance to Paramjit Singh Sarna led Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) opposed the proposal.
It is learnt that the DSGMC had specially convened a special session of general house on May 22, 2013 to discuss over single agenda of peace memorial.
According to Times of India (TOI) Manjit Singh GK said: “It’s a historic day for the Sikhs, when we have reached a decision to permanently establish a memorial in memory of 14,000 plus Sikhs who were killed in November 1984 riots all over the country . He said as per government figures 2733 innocent Sikhs were killed during riots in national capital alone but unofficial figure crosses over 4,000 mark”.
It is notable that during Sikh Genocide 1984 the Sikh Gurdwaras were also attacked in a planned manner. Where as many Gurdwaras were during the genocide, Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib was also attacked but the attempt to thwarted by the Sikh devotees and the Gurudwara staff; however, a father son duo performing Sewa (voluntary service) of drinking water near the main gate were killed by attackers.
DSGMC president Manjeet Singh GK reportedly said that a committee comprising of Sikh scholars, historian and architect would be constituted soon to formalize the design and pattern of memorial.
DSGMC general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa reportedly said the memorial would also act as balm on the wounds of those families whose innocent kin were brutally done to death and are still awaiting justice from the government as none of the perpetrators of riot had been punished despite incremental evidence.
“They (Congress government) are not giving us justice, they are not giving us space to build memorial, so we were forced to take decision to build memorial in Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib complex” Sirsa reportedly added.