New Delhi, June 12
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here today said that the massacre of Sikhs in 1984 and the Gujarat riots were unfortunate and that an atmosphere should be created so that such painful incidents do not take place again.
“I understand the pain and anguish of Sikhs. Painful incidents like this and Gujarat riots should not have taken place and an atmosphere should be created wherein such incidents never occur again.”
The Prime Minister was speaking after he and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, paid obeisance at the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara this morning.
On the occasion, the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Mr Prahlad Singh Chandok, presented the Prime Minister and his wife with a siropa and a sword.
This was Dr Manmohan Singh’s first visit to the gurdwara after becoming the Prime Minister. He stood in the sanctum sanctorum of the gurdwara and spoke in chaste Punjabi.
He said the teachings of the Gurus were of a universal nature and for the benediction of the entire mankind. “These are values which
need to be imbibed”.
Chants of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” rented the air as the Prime Minister addressed the
gathering. He made an offering before bowing before Guru Granth Sahib. In his typical unassuming style, Dr Manmohan Singh, who appeared gratified and touched at the honour bestowed on him, left from a side entrance where his car was parked.
Earlier, welcoming the Prime Minister, Mr Chandok said the minorities were feeling secure, with both President and the Prime Minister hailing from minority community.
Mr Chandok said the year was auspicious for the Sikhs as many events had raised the stature of the Sikh community. These included the celebration of 400 years of the writing of Guru Granth Sahib.
Also celebrated was 500 years of celebration of the birth of Guru Angad Dev. The 300 years of the martyrdom of the two children of Guru Gobind Singh was also observed.
Besides, Mr Chandok said, some Sikhs have been elevated to high posts and Dr Manmohan Singh’s appointment as the Prime Minister was one such event.
