M A I L B A G

Need to waive loans of ’84 riot victims

We thank The Tribune for the editorial “Why no action?: The guilty must be punished” (Aug 9). Yes, the Congress owes an explanation to the riot victims and the nation as a whole for its silence all these years.

We had written to the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Union Finance Minister to implement the Supreme Court judgement of December 17, 1993. In this ruling, the Judges had maintained that the authorities should write off the amount due from the borrowers in cases where there are no reasonable chances of recovery. However, this has not been implemented till date.

We have been deprived of justice even though the Supreme Court had given a ruling in our favour. The court advised us to file a regular petition, but we have no money.

GURBACHAN SINGH VIRDI, General Secretary, Nov ’84 Riot Victims Society, Goindwal Sahib (Amritsar)

II

I fully agree with the observations in the editorial, “PM applies balm: Rare apology for 1984 riots” (Aug 12) that what should have been done earlier by the Centre has now been done by Dr Manmohan Singh. His apology will definitely go a long way in healing the wounds of the affected families.

Clearly, Mr Jagdish Tytler and Mr Sajjan Kumar quit their respective official positions only under pressure from the Opposition and the Left parties. The Centre should take immediate action not only against the policemen, but all those mentioned in the Nanavati Commission report. There should be no compromise on this policy.

The Centre and the states should also evolve proper measures to avoid such happenings in future.

R.S. HAMDARD, Hoshiarpur (HP)

III

The riots of 1947 and 1984 are black spots in Indian history. Had a sincere effort been made immediately after the ’84 riots, the culprits could have been punished. This act would have acted as a true healing touch to the Sikh psyche. However, successive governments have kept the pot boiling for selfish ends.

Riots are the outcome of mob frenzy with no logic or reasoning. People were trying to forget the ’84 riots, but the Nanavati Commission report has reopened the wounds. This episode should be closed with a happy ending in the larger interest of the country.

C.R. JINDAL, Chandigarh

IV

The Prime Minister has indeed saved the situation from taking an ugly turn. The words he used in the apology are exceptional. The Opposition parties, especially the Shiromani Akali Dal, should not reopen the wounds of the ’84 riots in the interest of the Sikh community and the country at large.

It would be in the fitness of things if the Prime Minister makes sincere efforts to reopen the cases of those figured in the Nanavati Commission report and provide the promised assistance to the affected widows, children and families and help them lead a life with dignity and self-respect.

HARPAL SINGH PALLI, Ambala Cantonment

V

The editorial “Why no action?: The guilty must be punished” (Aug 9) was bold and forthright. The Congress’ secular image stands tarnished by the role of some of its key functionaries. It is good that Mr Jagdish Tytler and Mr Sajjan Kumar have resigned from their respective official positions.

In fact, to protect its secular image, the Congress should not have assigned key positions to tainted partymen in both the organisation and government. The Congress should follow the dictum, “Caesar’s wife must remain above suspicion”. There is no death of talent in our country or in the organisation.

J.L. SINGH BINDRA, New Delhi

VI

Dr Manmohan Singh has proved to be a sincere and honest Prime Minister. He has done what even the Punjab Chief Minister has not done. People will remember him for his fine gesture. As his apology in Parliament for the ’84 riots would not have been possible without the support of the top Congress leadership, I also appreciate Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

Dr DEVINDER SINGH, Amritsar

VII

The ability and nobleness of Dr Manmohan Singh is unquestionable. The universal appreciation of his recent visit to Washington and the red-carpet reception extended to him by the White House are exceptional. His address to the joint session of he US Congress and his apt handling of the press conference requires no comment about his ability to handle the affairs of the state.

Undoubtedly, the Prime Minister enjoys the trust and confidence of the people. Therefore, all the political parties should extend a helping hand to Dr Manmohan Singh in building a modern India.

KANWAL NAIN SINGH CHADHA, Mohali

VIII

The Prime Minister’s apology for the ’84 riots has added to his stature. It was an act of statesmanship. In sharp contrast, none of his predecessors exhibited such strength of character and magnanimity of heart.

PARAMJIT SINGH, Sangrur