Chandigarh: The BJP will organise a conclave on the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre in Chandigarh on November 4 to raise awareness among younger generations about the tragedy, the suffering of victims and their decades-long struggle for justice.
The conclave, titled ‘Zakhm 84 De’, will revisit the events of 1984 and highlight the victims’ experiences, the legal fight for justice and efforts towards the rehabilitation of affected families.
State BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon announced the event on Saturday. He said the aim was to bring different aspects of the massacre and the victims’ struggles to the attention of younger generations.
Dhillon said such discussions would help society understand the suffering of victims and reflect on accountability in a democratic system and the justice delivery process.
Exhibition and Four Thematic Sessions
The conclave will begin with a special exhibition featuring photographs and accounts of incidents related to the 1984 massacre. It will be followed by an inaugural session and four thematic discussions.
Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session. He had represented victims of the massacre in proceedings related to the Sajjan Kumar case before the High Court and the Supreme Court.
The first session, titled ‘When and How Did the Genocide Take Place?’, will feature survivors sharing their personal accounts and experiences.
The second session, ‘Was the Genocide a Conspiracy?’, will examine the perspective that the anti-Sikh genocide was part of a larger conspiracy. Speakers will include senior Supreme Court advocate H.S. Phoolka, former National Commission for Minorities chairman Tarlochan Singh and BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh.
Justice, Accountability and Rehabilitation
The third session, titled ‘Murder of Justice’, will discuss the alleged denial of justice to victims, destruction of evidence and political patronage allegedly extended to the accused.
The fourth session, ‘Punishing the Guilty: BJP’s Efforts’, will focus on efforts to protect victims during the massacre, the subsequent fight for justice and initiatives to bring those responsible to justice.
The concluding session will discuss the rehabilitation of families affected by the massacre and the steps taken to help them rebuild their lives.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will attend the session and speak about initiatives undertaken by BJP-led governments for the rehabilitation of victims and their families.