An Indian minister was officially blamed Monday for helping to fuel the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi and left more than 2,700 people dead.
The Nanavati Commission, which has since 2000 been probing riot cases, said there was credible evidence against Jagdish Tytler, minister for the welfare of expatriate Indians, in organising the riots.
The report also squarely blamed former Congress leader Dharamdas Shastri, who is now dead. It asked the government to take further action on cases against another Congress leader, Sajjan Kumar, that have already been closed.
It also said a number of police officials were guilty of negligence.
According to official figures, 2,732 Sikhs were massacred, largely on the streets of the capital New Delhi, after Gandhi was gunned down by her two Sikh bodyguards.
"The commission considers it safe to record a finding that there is credible evidence against Mr Jagdish Tytler to the effect that very probably he had a hand in organising attacks on Sikhs," the commission said in its report which was presented n parliament.
It recommended further action against Tytler "as may be found necessary," although the government has indicated that no prosecution could be made on the basis of probability.
Tytler said he was innocent and was willing to face any inquiry.
"The commission has based its remarks on me on the basis of an affidavit filed by one Surinder Singh, which was later withdrawn by him," Tytler said.
"There have been nine commissions (of inquiry). None named me. Someone puts an application and Justice Nanavati names me and there too, he uses the words 'very probably'. Who do you believe? I am saying that I am innocent," he added.
Tytler, an influential leader of India's ruling Congress party, has been accused by many eyewitnesses of leading attacks.
The main opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People's Party - BJP) demanded his immediate resignation.
Several Sikh MPs also created an uproar in the lower house of parliament demanding action against Tytler and others. Shouting "Shame, shame... we want justice", they forced the speaker to adjourn the house for an hour.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is India's first Sikh prime minister. After taking up the job in May last year, he said incidents like the Sikh riots should never happen again.
Comments
Comments are closed.