DSGMC chief says Sikhs can pardon Congress for 1984 anti-Sikh riots

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader was in Amritsar to meet Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to offer his support to its decision on the Dera chief.

Manjit Singh invoked history to justify the decision of the high priests.

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“The sixth guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib, had preferred to broker peace pact with then Mughal king, Jahangir, despite the fact that the same king had executed his father and the fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev. Pardon to Jahangir was a tactical decision of Guru Hargobind Singh to strengthen Sikhs. That decision was in the favour of Sikhs.”

He added: “The Sikh tradition allows us to forgive whosoever comes forward for apology for the crime.” added Manjit Singh

When asked if Congress could be pardoned for their alleged role against the Sikhs in 1984, he at first fumbled but said it can be done. “Congress never come forward with a clear mind. If they come forward with a clean soul, pardon can be considered,” said Manjit.

Around 35km away, at Khandoor Sahib, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, while addressing a rally, said the Punjabis in general and Sikh community in particular, can never forgive the Congress