New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday joined a padyatra organised by BJP leaders in Hari Nagar, demanding justice for families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and calling upon the Congress to take responsibility for the tragedy.

The march witnessed the participation of senior BJP leaders, public representatives and members of the Sikh community, who sought justice for the victims and their families, who have been waiting for accountability for more than four decades.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta questioned the Congress's claims of upholding democracy and said the events of November 1984 amounted to its murder.

"Was what happened in November 1984 not the murder of democracy? Thousands of Sikh families are still waiting for justice," she said. Targeting the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family, the Chief Minister said neither could escape responsibility for what happened to the Sikh community during the violence. She also drew parallels between the 1975 Emergency and the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, questioning the Congress's commitment to democratic values. "Those who speak about democracy today must first answer for their past and the events that took place during those years," Gupta said.

Highlighting the continued suffering of affected families, she said the pain of those who lost their loved ones had not faded even after so many years. She referred to women who witnessed their homes and families being torn apart and questioned why the victims had not received the justice and sensitivity they deserved.

Gupta also questioned the Congress leadership's failure to adequately acknowledge the suffering of the affected families and assure them of justice.

Describing the padyatra as an effort to give voice to the grievances of victims, she said participants were seeking answers on when those responsible would be held accountable and when the families would receive complete justice. Thanking the Sikh community and BJP workers for participating, Gupta said the march reflected solidarity with the affected families and a commitment to justice.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.