Following on from last week’s “Spectrum”, it seems, both, the Congress and the BJP have opted for communal politics during the pending Lok Sabha election. This is bad news for Indian democracy.

The timing of the “clean chit” by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to Jagdish Tytler has taken even the regional Congress leaders by surprise; more so as they were getting used to the questionable allocation of Congress tickets to Tytler and Sajjan Kumar. Both these alleged leaders of mobs, which killed thousands of innocent Sikhs in Delhi in 1984, have been named in the Nanawati Commission report. On the other hand, the CBI’s chargesheet against Sajjan Kumar has been delayed. How very convenient for the Congress!

Could the pre-election timing of Tytler’s clean chit by the CBI, be a calculated Congress response to the BJP’s Varun Gandhi hate speeches against Muslims and Sikhs, made before applauding thousands of the Sangh Pariwar. This whipping up of communal hatred may be aimed at consolidating the extremist Hindu vote. So, the Congress high command, with proven track record in such matters, cannot afford to be left behind in this communal hate game for winning votes. 

In effect, the Congress seems to be reminding the saffron brigade that it also stands for Hindutwa supremacy as was effectively demonstrated in 1984. The expected headlines and Sikh protests after the CBI announcement, make the point most effectively. As the counsel for the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee H S Phoolka said: "There were 123 cases of anti-Sikh riots in three different courts in Delhi which were transferred with a single judge by the law minister. The accused in 121 cases have been acquitted and those in the remaining two have been given very minor punishments."

What should be the Sikh response to this glaring injustice so far as the victim families of 1984 riots are concerned? They have waited for 25 years. The issue has been discussed on the internet and a post from Prof Nirmal Singh of USA is thought provoking. I would like to quote it at length. Writes Prof. Nirmal Singh, “My sense is that even though the Delhi Sikhs have struggled hard to keep this issue alive in their pursuit of justice the Sikh priorities have witnessed a major shift. They seem more focused on pursuing their live’s goals that include economic needs, relating to the main stream and bringing up their families. Their commitment to religious life has, if at all, become more visible - Gurdwaras are full, their programs and samagams are increasing and Sikh seva is growing.

”Politically they are engaged but not in an exclusionery, separatist mode. This is a total paradigm shift and therefore the drivers to follow through the kind of suggestions that are made on the web at the moment seem not to be there.

”Given this scenario we may have to ponder as to how we can bring about some synergy between the changing Sikh priorities and their understandings based on their respective vantage points, both in India and the Diaspora.” (close quote).

My edited response to Professor Nirmal Singh on internet is as follows:

“Although, Prof. Nirmal Singh has addressed the specific issue of Delhi riots, the need for reconciling "changing Sikh priorities" and other longstanding and unresolved grievances is there. Priorities must keep in step with the times. However, if history is not to repeat itself, then unresolved issues must not be lost sight of either.

“A good example is the Sikh Ardaas which reminds us of past struggles and sacrifices, which strengthen our resolve not to shirk our duty (dharam) to face similar challenges in future. Delhi pogroms cannot be forgotten, nor the destruction of Akal Takht and the extra-judicial killing of hundreds of  innocent young Sikhs in Panjab in fake encounters.

“The trick is to get the balance right. Times do change and have changed. Yet, here we are seeing those like Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar not only getting away with murder, but being issued tickets to contest elections. Today, there is greater awareness amongst ordinary Indians about these internal injustices and external threats, which can exploit home breeding grounds for terrorists. An electoral revolt against thugs and criminals standing for elections is always a possibility.

“The Sikh response needs to be measured to ensure that public sympathy is not lost. Yet, the Sikh resolve not to forget should come through also. Sikhs should protest in a dignified Sikhee-like manner, seeking support from non-Sikhs, and without the silly rituals like burning flags or effigies.” (close quote)

Sikh organizations would pursue the legal process based on human rights and take it up to the UN, if need be.

In desperation, both the main parties of India are playing a dangerous game and appear to have learnt nothing from past mistakes. The desperation comes from the “khichdee” politics which would favour regional parties. Such coalitions and changing alliances would weaken central control and direction for the nation. We can only wait and see what comes out of such pre-election desperation. Much depends on the intelligent Indian voter, who is today, much more aware of the very serious challenges the country is facing.

Gurmukh Singh