Jammu- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured justice to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, ending decades of injustice faced by the Sikh community.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a Vishesh Shaheedi Samagam titled Safar-e-Shahadat, organised by the All Jammu Kashmir Sikh Coordination Committee at Gurdwara Digiana Ashram on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas.
Sinha said historic steps taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister reflected the government’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of Sikh Gurus and safeguarding the dignity of the Sikh community.
He said that for years, victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots were denied justice, but decisive action under Prime Minister Modi ensured accountability and closure for the affected families.
The LG also highlighted other key initiatives taken to preserve and promote Sikh heritage, including the grant of FCRA approval to Sri Harmandir Sahib, opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, rejuvenation of the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, and promotion of research on the teachings of Sikh Gurus.
“These initiatives ensure that the Gurus’ message of universal brotherhood continues to guide India’s future,” he said.
He said the supreme sacrifice of the Sikh Gurus continues to inspire unity, courage and nation-building, calling upon citizens to work together to build a prosperous and inclusive India.
Paying tributes to the Sahibzades, Mata Gujri Ji and Guru Gobind Singh, Sinha said their unparalleled bravery, sacrifice and moral strength remain a guiding force for the nation. He said the lives and teachings of the Sikh Gurus were a source of inspiration for all citizens.
“The supreme sacrifice of our Sikh Gurus inspires all of us to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation. It should be our sincere endeavour to build a prosperous country which is united and strong in its diversity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the Sikh tradition of devotion and valour, Sinha said it symbolises the true spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. He added that the path of righteousness laid down by the Sikh Gurus forms a strong foundation for modern India’s inclusive development and continues to empower those engaged in nation-building.
Sinha praised the Sikh community for its historic role in nation-building and its consistent efforts to eliminate social discrimination. He urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus by fostering a society rooted in unity, progress and mutual respect.
“There has been a new dynamism in the country. Let us resolve to stand together and stand firm in our determination to build a Viksit Bharat of our dreams,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also remembered the martyrdom of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and his family, describing their sacrifice as a testament to human spirit and unwavering loyalty.
Members of the All Jammu Kashmir Sikh Coordination Committee expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for fulfilling long-pending demands of the Sikh community. Ajit Singh, Chairman of the committee, urged that Veer Baal Diwas be renamed as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas. The Lieutenant Governor assured that the memorandum would be forwarded to the Government of India.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated a newly married Sikh couple whose marriage was registered under the Anand Marriage Act in the Union Territory.
Senior officials, elected representatives, and eminent members of the Sikh community were present at the programme.
