The Hindu : National : Nanavati issue: Lok Sabha rejects Opposition's adjournment motion

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 11, 2005

National

National

Nanavati issue: Lok Sabha rejects Opposition's adjournment motion

Special Correspondent

It is sad that the debate has taken narrow, partisan path, says Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Acknowledging and bowing to the "sentiments" of disquiet expressed in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh came close to re-opening cases against Congress leaders indicted by the Nanavati Commission. "Our Government assures the House that wherever the Commission has named any specific individuals as needing further examination or specific cases needing reopening and re-examination, the Government will take all possible steps to do so within the ambit of law. This is a solemn promise and a solemn commitment to this House," Dr. Singh said in his intervention during the eight-hour debate in the House on the Opposition-sponsored adjournment motion.

The motion, moved by Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, was rejected after it received 128 votes in favour and 254 votes against, with one abstention. The Congress members against whom action was demanded — Union Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler and MP Sajjan Kumar — put in a brief appearance at the time of voting.

In his three-point assurance, Dr. Singh said that even though most government and police officials examined by the Commission had retired from service, the Government would consult the Law Ministry to bring the guilty to book to the maximum extent possible.

As a rehabilitation measure, the Government would try and ensure that the widows and children of those who suffered in the riots were enabled to lead a life of dignity and self-respect. "It will be our honest attempt to wipe away the tears from every suffering eye."

On the demands for action against political leaders, Dr. Singh said many of them were examined by the Commission, which clearly stated: "There is absolutely no evidence that Rajiv Gandhi or any other high-ranking Congress leaders had suggested or organised attacks on the Sikhs." In the case of some others, it was probable that they may have some involvement in some incidents and that there was evidence to this effect.

"Commission uncertain"

"The Commission is in itself not certain, however, of the role of these individuals. As the ATR says, governments cannot act when the Commission itself is uncertain. However, there is something called perception, and there is the sentiment of the House. The Government respects that and bows to that sentiment."

Describing the riots as a "national shame, a great human tragedy... a blot on the nation's conscience," Dr. Singh made an earnest appeal to members not to politicise it. "Let us march on. Let the nation march on."

In his 30-minute intervention, he said tragedies such as the anti-Sikh riots or what happened in Gujarat had no place in the country. Twenty-one years later, the question was "where do we go from here." He regretted the debate had taken a narrow and partisan path, which did no service to the valiant Sikh community that had a glorious past. Crediting Jawaharlal Nehru and the former Punjab Chief Minister, Pratap Singh Kairon, for their role in the development of the State, he said, "[I] don't want to score political points but when the Akali Dal was agitating to divide Punjab, the State was inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru and Pratap Singh Kairon. ... If you are trying to drive a wedge between the Sikhs and [the] Congress, forget that."

Nothing should be done to sow the seeds of discontent among the youth of Punjab. Recalling the days of terrorism, he said the phase had transformed the image of youth into terrorists.

It was a tribute to the community and the nation that they had put the chapter behind them, Dr. Singh said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National