Sonia woos Sikhs for poll
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Nov 11 — The Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi today expressed anguish over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and said she hoped to re-establish the strong bonds the Sikh community had with the Gandhi family.

Mrs Sonia Gandhi chose to convey the message at a function to mark Guru Nanak Jayanti week organised by the National Sikh Council here today.

"I have already expressed anguish over the tragic 1984 riots during my visit to Chandigarh and I assure you that what I say is what I feel. These kind of incidents should not recur," she said speaking in Hindi.

Mrs Gandhi also said that she was keen to re-establish the strong relationship Sikhs had with the Gandhi family.

Praising the Sikhs for their ability to overcome tragedy and sufferings, she said it was time to see to the future.

She said the Congress and the country praise the manner in which the Sikhs had faced problems with courage and patience.

Appealing to them, she said: "Your contribution is required to build a strong country and I do not think it is possible to do so without it".

Earlier, Dr Manmohan Singh referring to the riots said while it was a painful event, the community should now look to the future.

He said Mrs Sonia Gandhi had come forward to marshal the secular forces in the country and everything must be done to strengthen her hands.

Among others present on the occasion were CWC members, Mr Arjun Singh and Mr Ahmed Patel and President of the National Sikh Council, Mr Prehlad Singh Chandiok.

The event was organised with assistance from former Congress MP from Patiala, Mr Sant Ram Singla, who is also the observer for Sadar Bazar constituency in the forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

A letter written by Mr Balbir Singh, a member of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee to Mrs Sonia Gandhi expressing regret over the party policy vis-a-vis the community, was also released to the press.

He said while the Sikhs hoped the Congress under her leadership would redress the grievances of the community, the party had been supporting some of those who were allegedly involved in the 1984 riots.