In a significant move to commemorate the victims of a tragic historical event, Punjab MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura has announced a prayer meet at the Hondh-Chillar tragedy site. This event aims to break a 42-year silence and demand justice for the alleged massacre that occurred during the anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Background of the Hondh-Chillar Tragedy
On November 2, 1984, at least 32 Sikhs, including children, were allegedly massacred by a mob in Hondh-Chillar village, located in Haryana's Rewari district. The village, predominantly inhabited by Sikhs, was reportedly targeted during the widespread anti-Sikh riots that erupted after Indira Gandhi's assassination. According to accounts, homes were torched, and victims were hacked to death, leaving a deep scar on the Sikh community.
MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura's Role
Manwinder Singh Giaspura, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana district's Payal constituency, is often regarded as a whistleblower in this case. He discovered the site on February 3, 2011, while working as an engineer, bringing national attention to the incident and sparking demands for justice. As the president of the Hondh Chillar Coordination Committee, Giaspura has been vocal about the lack of accountability over the years.
Details of the Prayer Meet
The prayer meet is scheduled for February 3 at 10 am at the Hondh-Chillar site. It will feature a Gurbani recitation and ardaas (prayer) in memory of the victims. Giaspura emphasized that this event is not just a remembrance but a call to action, aiming to awaken the nation's conscience and pressure authorities for justice. He stated, "Hondh Chillar—these words still shake the soul of the Sikh community. Even after 42 years, justice has not been delivered."
Demands for Justice and Political Protest
Giaspura criticized the prolonged delay in justice, terming the massacre a "murder of humanity." He highlighted that courts have only provided dates without substantive outcomes, leaving the culprits unpunished and the victims' souls without peace. During the meet, locations where brutality occurred will be shown to the public to underscore the severity of the tragedy. As a mark of protest, an effigy of the BJP will be burned, symbolizing frustration with those perceived as denying justice.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The event is framed as a pledge to continue the struggle until justice is achieved. Giaspura posed poignant questions about freedom in India, asking whether it allows killers to roam free while victims' families await justice. This prayer meet represents a renewed effort to mobilize support and keep the issue alive in public discourse, reflecting ongoing tensions and the Sikh community's quest for closure.
As the date approaches, the prayer meet at Hondh-Chillar is expected to draw attention from various quarters, highlighting unresolved historical injustices and the persistent demand for accountability in India's socio-political landscape.
