’We’ve become numb, now’

The victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi do not want to talk about it any more

'We've become numb, now'

The victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi do not want to talk about it any more

For the TRP hungry media channels and always 'biting' politicians last weekend marked the 25th anniversary of the assassination of Indira Gandhi one of the most charismatic yet controversial figures in the Indian history.

For Gurcharan Singh Gill, October 31 marks the anniversary of the day 11 members of his family were burnt alive during the anti-Sikh riots sparked by the killing of Mrs Gandhi at the garden of her residence by her two Sikh bodyguards.

The young estate agent has a message for the politicians too. He wants relief and rehabilitation for those affected during the riots not petty politics over it.

"The issue is exploited to win over the Sikh electorate. However, none of the promises have been met. A job was promised to one member of each affected family but very few managed to get them. Crores and crores of rupees were released in funds but not a single penny reached the needy. There are so many organizations running for the betterment of victims and getting international funds, but all them are just an eye wash," said Gill, who was brought up by his uncle.

When asked what he feels about Indira Gandhi, Gill said he doesn't want to talk about her. "Initially I used to think about it, but 25 years later blaming anybody about it would be pointless."

Gill's story echoes those of his neighbours in East of Kailash who live in houses especially constructed for the 1984 riot victims.

Bed ridden Vidya Rani, who lost her husband along with four other family members in the riots, remembers it as an "unforgettable day" of her life. Rani doesn't want to remember Indira Gandhi for rest of her life. "Na yaad karwao to behtar hoga. Sunkar humein kewal dukh hi hota hai," said Rani, wiping her tears.

Rani's husband worked at the powerhouse at ITO and stayed at Trilokpuri. After hiding for the whole night, he arrived at his house 5 in the morning. Barely three hours later, a mob of around 100 people attacked his house and killed five members of the family. The neighbours saved the children from being killed.

Omission and Commissionu00a0
Some of the commissions and committees instituted to inquire into the riots.
>>Marwah Commission: Appointed in November 1984, headed by then Additional Commissioner of Police Ved Marwah.
>>Misra Commission of Enquiry: Appointed in May 1985, headed by Justice Rangnath Misra
>>Jain Banerjee Committee: Headed by Justice ML Jain and AK Banerjee, retired senior IPS officer, recommended registration of case against Cong leader Sajjan Kumar.
>>Ahuja Committee: It gave the figure of 2,733 as the number of Sikhs killed in Delhi.
>>Narula Committee: Appointed by Madan Lal Khurana government in 1993. It recommended registration of cases against HKL Bhagat, Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler.
>>The Nanavati Commission: Appointed by a unanimous resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apologised for the riots after the report was tabled before the parliament.

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