Akali Dal chief requests PM Modi to acquit 309 Sikh soldiers from 1984

Requesting for relief for former soldiers of Sikh community, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Bal, on Friday, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking Centre to acquit 309 court-martialled Sikh soldiers during 1984 anti-Sikh riots of all charges. soldiers have been charged with deserting army during that time period. He pleed Centre to treat m as ex-servicemen and restore all ex-servicemen benefits to m, stating that soldiers were in shock after attack at Harmandir Sahib Complex.

RE | Manjinder Sirsa hails 1984-riots witnesses appearing before SIT

Sukhbir Singh Bal request PM Modi to acquit Sikh soldiers

In his letter he has stated, "On hearing news of attack on Sri Akal Takhat Sahib by army, 309 Sikh soldiers left ir barracks in state of shock. Later y were court-martialled for deserting army and were punished by army". He appealed that as India is gearing to celebrate 550th anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, court-martialled soldiers should be acquitted.

WATCH |Akali Dal says witnesses will testify on Kamal Nath's 1984 riots link

Akali Dal's allegation against Kamal Nath in 1984 anti-Sikh riots

Meanwhile, Centre has constituted an SIT and is probing into Mhya Presh CM Kamal Nath's role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Akali Dal leers have alleged that Nath h incited violence against Sikh at that time, as per sources. Two witnesses - Sanjay Suri and Mukhtiyar Singh have appeared before SIT to record ir statements. Akali Dal has constantly demanded resignation of Kamal Nath from Congress party as well from post of Chief Minister of Mhya Presh.

WATCH |Akali Dal to brief press about Kamal Nath-link to 1984 riots on Monday

What was Operation Blue Star? 

1984 Operation Blue Star was biggest internal security mission ever undertaken by Indian Army. Operation was Indira Gandhi's solution to law and order situation in Punjab prevalent at that time due to rise of Khalistan movement in India. Indira Gandhi, n Prime Minister of India, ordered military operation to remove Sikh militants who were accumulating weapons in Harmandir Sahib Complex (Golden Temple) under Operation Blue Star which was carried out between June 1 and June 8, 1984, in Amritsar. casualties as per official reports were 83 Indian Army jawans and 492 civilians throughout whole Operation. 

RE | Manjinder Sirsa hails 1984-riots witnesses appearing before SIT