New Delhi, August 8
In a significant development, Justice G.T. Nanavati today expressed dissatisfaction with the Action Taken Report (ATR) tabled by the government following his voluminous report on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
"ATR is not to my satisfaction. It is to tell Parliament what action has been taken by the government on the recommendations of the Commission," he told reporters after his report, along with the ATR, was tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
On the indictment of Tytler, he said there was no reason to disbelieve the person who had deposed before the Commission against the Union Minister.
"But I have said he was very probably involved in the riots because the evidence against him was not conclusive. That is why I recommended further inquiry," Justice Nanavati added.
He said there was no political pressure on the Commission and it had functioned independently.
Justice Nanavati said the riots took place in an "organised manner" and there was no need for Sikhs to name so many Congress leaders unless they were really involved.
Justice Nanavati maintained that local Congress leaders were in some way "involved" with the riots and further probe was needed in this regard.
He also alleged "police failure," saying so many people would not have died in three days if the police had taken action.
Observing that riots cannot be prevented, he suggested that there should be quick action by the police and intelligence should be strengthened to minimise the damage.
On politicisation of the issue, he said, for political considerations, his report would be criticised or appreciated by various parties in their own way.
The Commission "did not feel" that there were lapses "at the highest level," Justice Nanavati said.
"Riots cannot be prevented but quick action should be taken," he said.
However, he added that the Commission got little material about riots outside Delhi.
"Whatever new affidavits were received were only for compensation and did not merit inquiry," he said.
