Chandigarh: Every genocide is followed by ‘denial’. International scholar of Genocide studies, Dr. Gregory H. Stanton in his research titled ‘Eight Stages of Genocide’ states that ‘denial’ is eighth, last and never-ending stage of genocide. Same is true in case of ‘Sikh Genocide 1984’ also. Indian state and its organs, such as governments, media, political parties, politicians etc, deny the fact that Sikhs were subjected to genocide in 1984 throughout India.
After studying various episodes of genocides committed across the globe Dr. Stanton said that denial may take place in numerous forms – from denying the fact of massacre to admitting the the fact of massacre and even condemning it but still denying the genocide.
It is in this view the recent statement of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi should be seen. Responding to a query during an interaction in London, Rahul Gandhi said that Congress party did not participate in violent attack on Sikhs in November 1984.
As per media reports: To a question being asked by the CNN-News18 at an event in the UK Parliament about the 1984 violence, Rahul Gandhi said: “I have no confusion in my mind about that. It was a tragedy, it was a painful experience. You say that the Congress party was involved in that, I don’t agree with that. Certainly there was violence, certainly there was tragedy.”
Given the scale of facts put on record right from the publication of “Who are Guilty?” report Rahul Gandhi’s statement can be termed as a blatant lie. Congress party’s opponents are already terming it as such. But its not merely a lie rather it’s part of a considered policy of denial and even Rahul Gandhi’s critics such as BJP politicians also practise that policy. They would criticise Rahul Gandhi for denying Congress participation in the 1984 massacres but won’t admit that the 1984 massacres were in fact genocide.
Punjab Congress and CM Amarinder Singh Backs Rahul Gandhi:
Pro-India unit of Punjab Congress and Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh has backed Rahul Gandhi’s statement denying Congress party’s hand in 1984 violence against the Sikhs. Capt. Amarinder Singh has a track record of shielding Congress party leaders accused of perpetuating genocidal violence against the Sikhs. He had earlier defended Sikh genocide accused Kamal Nath and Jagdish Tytler.