NEW Delhi, DECEMBER 14: Home Minister L K Advani told the Rajya Sabha today that the Congress party had officially stated it was willing for a fresh inquiry into the 1984 anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of Indira Gandhi.Making a statement after a meeting of leaders of political parties with Rajya Sabha chairman Krishan Kant on the issue which forced two adjournments of the house, Advani said his remarks at a function were reported in a manner that conveyed that Dr Manmohan Singh, leader of the opposition, was absolutely opposed to an inquiry when the issue figured in the house last week.He clarified that what he meant was that the Congress might have reservations on the issue and explained that when it came up at question time, he had said the government would consider instituting an inquiry if such a demand was made by members. However, the question hour ended just then and Singh could not respond.Advani said if he had `unwittingly hurt' Singh, he would express his regrets.Singh, who also spoke, said that during his intervention earlier in the day, he had no intention of hurting the feelings of the home minister.Although Krishan Kant had said there would be no clarifications on Advani's statement, several members were on their feet wanting to know from the government whether an inquiry would be instituted.Though Advani did not reply, Jaswant Singh, leader of the house, rose to give an assurance that all aspects of the issue will be considered seriously.Earlier, as soon as the house reassembled after the second adjournment, Krishan Kant took the chair as demanded by members and announced that he had held a meeting with the leaders of various political parties available, including Singh and senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee on the issue of an inquiry on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
