Op/Ed – Controversy Surrounds Proposed Sikh Genocide Memorial in New Delhi

:dateline:The controversy surrounding the 1984 Sikh genocide memorials seem never ending. �As Panthik organisations are struggling over the recently inaugurated Gurdwara in the Darbar Sahib complex, Sikh organisations in Delhi also seem to have issues over the memorial there.

While the SAD (B) and right-wing BJP have refused to accept the Punjab based memorial, the same organisations are expressing a desire to construct one in Delhi. �The Congress party on the other hand, responsible for much of the genocide, is opposed to both. �Nonetheless,�the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee and Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) are all set to lay the foundation stone of the 1984 Genocide Memorial in Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib on 12 June.

Sarna Disapproves of 1984 Memorial

The former DSGMC chief and Congress supporter�Paramjit Sarna has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court against the construction of the memorial in the gurudwara premises. Sarna said that the party is against the construction of the memorial inside the gurudwara premises without permission from government authorities. �Sikh24 has learned from its sources in New Delhi that it was Sarna’s men behind a notice signed by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation found affixed at the gate of Gurdwara Rajabganj Sahib warning against the construction of the memorial.

Manjit Singh GK, current DSGMC chief, has however stated that the stone laying ceremony would be held on schedule despite the petition and the notice from New Delhi Municipal Corporation.

BJP and RSS May Attend Memorial Ground Breaking Ceremony

In a press statement, Manjit Singh GK alleged that representatives of all five Takhats, along with Punjab Chief Minster Parkash Badal, Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, BJP President Rajnath Singh, Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj and CPM leader Brinda Karat are expected to be present on the occasion.

While the right wing terrorist group, RSS has opposed the memorial at Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar Sahib, it may attend the ground breaking ceremony in Delhi. �BJP had expressed unhappiness over the memorial and alleged it could revive so-called militancy in Punjab. �Similarly, the RSS and Shiv Sena had publicly announced that in opposition to the 1984 Sikh Genocide memorial, it would construct a temple in memory of Indira Gandhi and Beant “Singh”.

Objections Expected by Congress Supporters and Touts

Objections by the Delhi authorities against the Sikh genocide memorial were expected, when earlier similar objections were raised by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation who threatened to charge a punishment of Rs 5000 along with 6 months imprisonment for going against the authorities. On November 5, 2012 the government had objected to the inauguration of a park in the Punjabi Bagh area of New Delhi by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and BJP leader Arun Jaitley. The construction of the park symbolising the martyrs of 1984 has not been allowed to be completed as of yet.