Pune, India (May 21, 2013): It is learnt that the Sikhs hit the streets in large numbers on May 19, 2013 in Pune to seek justice for the victims of Sikh genocide 1984. As per media reports: [h]olding banners and raising slogans, the protesters pointed out that hundreds of Sikhs were killed in the 1984 November massacres but the real perpetrators of the crime had been let off. The protest reportedly started from Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar and culminated at Rani Laxmibai Udyan.
“When we protest, we are thrown in jails, but those who hurt us are still alive and living a comfortable life,” said former journalist Jarnail Singh, who had travelled from Delhi to Pune to join the protest.
S. Jarnail Singh reportedly said while the culprits for the 2002 Gujrat massacre had already been punished, the victims of 1984 Sikh genocide were still waiting for justice. “There has been a miscarriage of justice for 29 long years. By staging protests, we are trying to create pressure to help bring justice to families whose near and dear ones were butchered for no fault of theirs,” said one of the protesters. They said a letter had also been sent to the President seeking justice.
The Sikh community drew support from Aam Aadmi Party for Sunday’s protest. A similar protest was held in Mumbai and other cities of the country.