30 years after massacre, a memorial for victims in New Delhi

AMRITSAR: After the raising of a memorial for those who fought against the Indian Army in Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple complex, construction of another memorial has begun in Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib complex in Delhi, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
"The memorial will be dedicated to not only those Sikhs who died in November 1984 anti-Sikh riots but also for those from other religions who died while saving lives of the community members," president, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Manjit Singh GK told TOI on Saturday.
The groundbreaking ceremony to start the construction work of the memorial was performed by Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal in presence of Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and others, informed Manjit, adding that various BJP leaders were also present on the occasion.
Unlike the Operation Bluestar memorial in the Golden Temple complex, which was in the form of a gurdwara, the Delhi memorial, being erected over 2,500 square yards, will be a wall-like structure having names of all those who died and those who lost their lives while saving Sikh victims, said GK.
He said, "There will be regular 'shabad gaayan', and the place will have a water body and flowers to maintain the serenity." Quoting Badal, GK said the Punjab CM had demanded strict action against the guilty and relief to the victims of the 1984 massacre. He had also sought a comprehensive relief package for the riot victims.
He blamed the previous Congress-led UPA government of hindering the construction of the memorial. "How can one expect from them to do justice to Sikhs as far as the question of punishing the guilty was concerned," he argued.