SAD opposing SIT by AAP is against cause of '84 riot victims: Phoolka
Aam Aadmi Party's Ludhiana candidate HS Phoolka on Thursday refused to be drawn into a controversy over deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal's comment on their statures, saying he was an "aam aadmi" (common man).
Aam Aadmi Party's Ludhiana candidate HS Phoolka on Thursday refused to be drawn into a controversy over deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal's comment on their statures, saying he was an "aam aadmi" (common man).
At the same time, he demanded that Sukhbir as the SAD chief should reply why did the SAD oppose the formation of the special investigation team (SIT) by the AAP into the 1984 riots. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Phoolka said a petition filed in the Supreme Court clearly said that the apex court should formulate the SIT to investigate into the killings of the 1984 Sikh riots. "In light of the statements given by the SAD president and other senior party leaders, it shouldn't be a coincidence that this petition was filed on the dictates of the SAD," alleged Phoolka.
He said the SAD opposing the SIT was against the cause of justice to victims of the Sikh riots. He said the Supreme Court, in reply to the petition, had given two weeks' time to furnish all relevant details pertaining to the Sikh riots.
He said, "I wish things do not go wrong, but there is always a chance of an adverse outcome, which would defeat all efforts made till now to get justice for the riot victims."
Giving details, he said AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal had written to the lieutenant governor of Delhi to incorporate the names of EN Rammohan, retired DGP, Border Security Force; Suresh Arora, DGP Vigilance, Punjab; and Prit Pal Singh, additional DGP, Assam; in the SIT proposed by AAP to investigate into the 1984 killings.
Phoolka said the SGPC had offered him money to fight cases for the 1984 riot victims, but he had turned down the offer. "I would also like to give credit to some top Supreme Court lawyers who charge Rs 4 lakh-7 lakh per appearance, that despite being Hindus they fought the cases of Sikh riot victims without charging a single penny," Phoolka said. He said the money he had charged the SGPC was for cases other than those of riot victims.
