Pargat signs resolution seeking justice for victims of 1984 riots

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 31

Higher Education, Languages, Education and Sports Minister Pargat Singh today participated in the historical Mela Gadri Babeyan Da which started here today. He signed a huge flex board listing various resolutions, one of which seeks ‘1984 Dilli Sikh katleaam de doshian nu saza davao!’ (punish those responsible for the 1984 Sikh genocide).

Notably, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi-led government has recently come under question by senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar as well as opposition parties BJP and SAD over the recent appointment of 1984 Sikh riots accused Jagdish Tytler as a permanent invitee to the Delhi Congress’ New Executive Committee.

A huge flex at the fair lists the resolutions to be passed at the mela tomorrow. The resolution signed by hundreds seeks justice for the 1984 Sikh genocide victims and those at the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. The key points of the resolutions include demand to withdraw three agriculture ‘black laws’, punishing those guilty of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, restoring former look of the recently renovated Jallianwala Bagh and the demand for compensation to farmers who are victims of natural disasters.

A 30-year-old tradition of raising people’s voices, Mela Ghadri Babeyan Da is known for its unequivocal stance on raising people’s issues and for its fierce criticism of the governments. Along with a celebration of the Ghadarites and freedom fighters who laid lives during the Freedom Struggle, the mela also raises questions on contemporary political injustices. This year’s mela is dedicated to the kisan andolan and the Babbar Akalis.

Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall being a hub of socialist and pro-people thought, politicians (leave alone those holding a cabinet berth) have traditionally kept a distance from the mela. Interestingly, in keeping with tradition, the committee doesn’t invite government officials or ministers etc. to the fair. Hence Pargat’s visit came as a surprise to the committee members themselves.

The minister visited the book stalls and bought books on life and philosophy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh as well as former CM and gentleman politican Partap Singh Kairon’s life, among other books. Pargat Singh also interacted with youth, children and listened to their views regarding the history of Ghadri Babean Mela. During his visit Pargat also took a round of the book stall set up by the Language Department.