SAD announces 2,00,000 cash reward for shoe-throwing journalist

New Delhi, Apr 7 (ANI): The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday announced a cash reward of Rs. 2,00,000 to Delhi journalist Jarnail Singh for hurling a shoe at Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram during a press conference.

"Decisions are not taken by throwing shoes, but this incident has shown our pain and suffering. Bhagat Singh had also thrown a bomb in the assembly. We have thus announced a reward of Rs. 2,00,000 for his 'courage and bravery'," SAD National General Secretary Avtar Singh Hit said.

Earlier in the day, Singh, a journalist with the Dainik Jagran newspaper threw a shoe at Chidambaram's direction over his response to the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) decision to give a clean chit to Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

SAD's Delhi unit President Manjit Singh has also supported Jarnail Singh's act.

"I fully support the journalist. What he has done represents the feelings of all Sikhs of the country, and not only Sikhs, it represents the feelings of all law abiding citizens of the country," Manjit Singh said.

Meanwhile, the Sikh community condemned the incident.

"A shoe should not be thrown at anyone, irrespective of his status. Chidambaram is also a human being," said Harmeet Singh, a resident.

Kulwinder Singh, another Sikh, said the incident had nothing to do with religion.

Earlier, the Union Home Ministry clarified that Home Minister Chidambaram had responded to Jarnail Singh's query. (ANI)