Punjab Govt to provide security to witnesses of 1984 riots

Chandigarh, Mar 10 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Punjab DGP to take immediate measures to provide security to the witnesses of the ongoing cases pertaining to 1984 anti Sikh riots in Delhi.

Stating this here today, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Harcharan Bains said that Mr Badal had taken this decision as the witnesses "felt very insecure and did not trust the Delhi Police for their protection".

He said that the issue had been brought to notice of the Chief Minister by human rights activist and senior Supreme Court advocate Harvinder Singh Phoolka. Mr Phoolka had written to Mr Badal on the issue, emphasising that security provided by Punjab Police could instill a sense of security and confidence in the minds of the witnesses and of the surviving victims.

Mr Bains said that the witnesses had sought "effective steps" to re-locate those among them who felt an extreme danger to their lives after deposing against political big wigs.

The Chief Minister had assured them that he would take up the matter with the Central Government and the Delhi Government in view of the threat perception on this count, added Mr Bains.

UNI PS MMS1837