1984 anti-Sikh riots memorial: Construction work to begin at Gurdwara Rakabganj on Nov 1

New Delhi, Oct 30: On November 1, the 30th anniversary of 1984 Sikh riots, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) will start work on the construction of "November 1984 riots memorial" at Rakabganj Gurdwara premises. The memorial is expected to be completed in two years.

As per reports, the ceremony in this regard will be attended by senior leaders and community heads of various Sikh groups and ministers including union home minister Rajnath Singh, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

The memorial will have names of more than 12,000 Sikhs who, as per the DSGMC, who were killed in the riots which took place after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

"The monument being built will be commemorated to all those civilians and army men killed in the carnage. It will also be to remember those who laid their lives while saving lives and properties of innocent citizens targeted in the carnage across the country," said Manjit Singh GK.

"The monument shall be a symbol of universal brotherhood, humanity, tolerance, humanity and compassion," he added.

Reportedly, the memorial will have a small water body, some stonework and a wall with the names of all riot victims inscribed on it. This design was selected after an open competition was held. Hundreds of people from across the world participated in it.

Earlier last year, Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) protested against former SGMC chief Paramjit Singh Sarna expressed his displeasure against setting up a memorial at Gurdwara Rakabganj road.

"Rakabganj Gurdwara is the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur was cremated. A memorial for 1984 riot victims must not come up here as it will dilute the sanctity of the venue," Sarna had said then.

OneIndia News