No security to '84 riots victim

MOHALI: Even after 50 days when Gurcharan Singh, a handicapped bed-ridden 1984 anti-sikh riot victim, agreed to give his statement as a witness against Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, the state government has failed to provide any security to the former.
But he is not alone in the suffering. There are many hesitant victims like Gurcharan Singh, who staying quite for 24 years after the riots decided to become witnesses against senior Congress leaders, following an assurance of protection and resettlement by Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).Ironically, the state authorities are yet to prove their sincerity.
While talking to The Time of India, Ranbir Singh Khatra, SSP, Mohali, informed, "Gurcharan Singh could not be provided with any security because he is not financially sound. Moreover, he won't be able to bear the expenses for food and stay of the cops.
When asked about making arrangements for the security personnel like temporary huts or tents, the SSP said, "This won't be convenient for cops as they will face problems in performing daily chores."
Khatra, however, added, "We will give Gurcharan Singh security when he has to go to Delhi for the witness. And if something wrong happens, we will take care of him."
Rubbishing SSP's claim, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, who promised security to Singh's family said, "This
is state government's responsibility to give security to witnesses and the state is binding with the promise, which chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has made. If the SSP is finding it tough to provide security, SGPC will give pay for security personnel's stay and food."
Meanwhile, ADGP security Anil Kaushik said that he was not aware of his case. Interestingly, providing security to bigwigs is no issue for the authorities. This is evident from the fact that Surinder Singh, another witness, has been given two personnel at his residence in Delhi. It may be mentioned that the Akal Takhat along with the sikh clergy appealed to the 1984 victims to file the witness and had promised them security.
Talking to TOI, AISSF chief Karnail Singh Peermohammad, who is working to bring these witnesses out and file their respective affidavits said that they were tired of approaching the leaders including the chief minister in last 50 days for his security. "We have written several letters to the chief minister and DG Punjab, but in vain."