'MHA takes cognisance of complaint against Kamal Nath' says Akali Dal, adds 'will meet SIT & give names of witnesses'

Days after the Akali Dal had demanded the arrest of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath alleging his role in the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, the Home ministry has taken cognizance of the demand. In a pathbreaking development, Shiromani Akali Dal, an ally of BJP has claimed that the home ministry has asked to forward the list of witnesses to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

In a press release by the Akali Dal on June 19, the party said the following:

"Disclosing this here today to party President Sukhbir Singh Badal after a meeting with the home secretary yesterday evening, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the SIT has called the DSGMC to submit the name of witnesses and other evidence to it tomorrow. The SIT, which was formed in 2015 by the NDA government, is empowered to examine fresh evidence in the 1984 massacre cases which were closed earlier.

Stating that the Sikh community had moved one step closer to exposing the role of Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath in the 1984 genocide, Mr Sukhbir Badal asked DSGMC chief Manjinder Singh Sirsa to request the SIT to record the statements of noted journalist Sanjay Suri and Muktiar Singh, who had already disclosed Nath’s role in leading murderous mobs in 1984.

Mr Sirsa briefed the SAD President that in case of the dastardly attack on two Sikhs in Mukerjee Nagar recently; the home ministry had asked for a report from the Delhi police. He said subsequently a case under Sections 247/19 had been registered against all the cops who had resorted to inhuman conduct against the father and son duo.

Disclosing about other issues, Mr Sirsa said the home ministry also disclosed that it would file a review petition in the case of ten persons who had been acquitted with regard to the 1984 massacre. He said the ministry had meanwhile assured to consider other demands submitted to it including formation of a special court for day to day trial of all the cases of 1984 genocide and appointment of the President of the Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded through election by members of its Board."

Kamal Nath was accused of leading a mob outside the Rakabganj gurdwara during the pogrom of 1984. It is alleged that two Sikhs were burned to death in his vicinity. His presence at the gurdwara was allegedly testified by the police and a journalist.

Sirsa also tweeted informing the same:

The Akali Dal had demanded that the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister should be arrested. Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday had said:

"We will urge that he should be arrested. No one ever imagined that Sajjan Kumar will go to jail after 35 years. Kamal Nath is sitting relaxed, but we will make sure he will be jailed. This will be a lesson like the one who was made Chief Minister by the Congress will be jailed."

WATCH: Akali Dal renews attack on Congress, demands arrest of Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath for his alleged role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots

In a scathing attack on the Kamal Nath, Sirsa while addressing a press conference on Saturday, June 15 said: "Investigation will be done again so that people who have been discharged can be caught. Kamal Nath is the first sitting Chief Minister who was booked against the 1984 riots. We will go to the SIT and provide witnesses proving Kamal Nath and his role in the 1984 riots. He will be behind bars."

During the Lok Sabha election campaign when Congress overseas president Sam Pitroda had remarked 'Hua to Hua' on 1984 riots and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had issued a statement against him, the Akali Dal remained unimpressed saying that "it is not about Sam Pitroda" but about the Gandhi family and accused them of not apologising.