M A I L B A G

PM’s apology will help India march forward

This has reference to the editorial, “PM applies balm: Rare apology for 1984 riots” (Aug 12). Admittedly, the Prime Minister’s apology to the nation in general and the Sikh community in particular reflects Dr Manmohan Singh’s sincerity and willingness to assuage the feelings of the Sikhs and march forward for nation building.

It is indeed a reflection of a peace-loving country which has matured by the teachings of its great prophets, seers and reformers. People’s respect for the political leaders will increase if they apologise for the loss of life and hardship suffered by the Sikhs during Partition.

If the leaders express regret for their failure in guiding the political process, this will help India to apply necessary course corrections and march forward.

Air Marshal P.K. JAIN (retd), Chandigarh

II

After a long wait, the Nanavati Commission report was finally tabled in Parliament along with the Action Taken Report, another formality in the chain of events. It has established the principle that “finality is not the language of politics”.

GURDISH SINGH GREWAL, Ludhiana

III

It is ironical that even after 21 years of agonising wait, the unfortunate victims of the ’84 riots have been deprived of justice. On the contrary, their wounds were reopened. No Congress leader could dare execute such a massacre of innocent and defenceless Sikhs without the approval of the top leadership.

Exonerating H.K.L. Bhagat on health grounds and others due to weak evidence is also improper. Any person with an iota of intelligence will infer that it was the Congress which was squarely responsible for the brutal carnage.

A.K. SHARMA, Chandigarh

IV

This refers to the editorial “Why no action?: The guilty must be punished” (Aug 9). The Centre has seemingly abandoned its responsibility to the people and to the 1984 riot victims.

The Congress has been indulging in wordy subterfuge and quibbling equivocation. There is “credible evidence” against Union Minister Jagdish Tytler and he had “very probably had a hand in organising the attacks” says the Nanavati Commission report. But this is dismissed. The same is the case with H.K.L. Bhagat. The government has condemned itself.

I.M. SONI, Chandigarh

V

The Nanavati Commission report was quite soft on the perpetrators of the brutal massacre and the Centre’s attitude was like rubbing salt on the wounds. Ironically, though 3,000 Sikhs were killed in three days in the Capital right under the nose of the Central Government, nobody has been brought to book. The government’s credibility will get eroded if it protects the accused.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

VI

The caption of the editorial, “Why no action? The guilty must be punished” (Aug 9) is apt and self-explanatory. Saner sense strongly demands that the findings of the Nanavati Commission report were implemented in letter and spirit. The Centre needs to realise that no carnage would have been possible without the support of the party leadership. All those responsible for the carnage should be punished under the law.

The Centre’s indifferent attitude towards the anti-Sikh riots in 1984 for the first 2-3 days in Delhi and subsequently keeping mum over the findings of nine Commissions has hurt the Sikh psyche most. It should rise above petty politics and take action against the guilty to heal the wounds.

JAGJIT SINGH NAGPAL, Amritsar

VII

Who is responsible for the killing of 3,000 innocent Sikhs? The Nanavati Commission has pointed finger at many Congress leaders for organising the attacks and demanded necessary action against the culprits. It came down heavily on the police officials who could not control the situation. Consequently, the nationwide protests by the Opposition parties against the report was justified.

SATYA PARKASH SHARMA, Nawanshahr

Time to expedite justice In India, the road to justice is too long. The situation is worse in the lower courts. The judicial magistrates adjourn the hearings for no reason. Advocates don’t turn up for hearings and the magistrates get them adjourned. In the Ludhiana court, one particular case for mandatory injunction for the violation of bylaws, the erection of an illegal wall and carrying out industrial activity behind the residential house has been hanging fire for three years. Even after six months, the court is yet to decide whether local commission should be appointed, as demanded by the defendant. The judicial magistrates should show enterprise and dispose off the cases expeditiously. Only then, they can restore the people’s confidence in the judiciary. SHER SINGH, Ludhiana