Describing the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 as a “genocide”, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday several persons who had a “role” in the carnage are yet to be punished.

“In these incidents (anti-Sikh riots), there are several persons who are yet to be punished. I have faith in our judicial system and these persons will definitely get punishment,” he said after distributing cheques of enhanced compensation to the riot victims in Tilak Vihar area of west Delhi.

“I know that until these persons are punished, victims will not get relief. I want to assure that the government is with you and will be with you in even bad days,” he said.

Rajnath distributed cheques of ₹5 lakh each to 17 kin of the riot victims at a function here.

According to a senior government official, enhanced compensation to 2,459 people will soon be given after verification.

Rajnath also said he has constituted a committee under a retired judge to look into the grievances of 1984 riot victims.

He also asked the Chief Ministers of all States to take steps for immediate disbursement of enhanced compensation to the kin of 1984 riot victims.

Of the total 3,325 victims of anti-Sikh riots, 2,733 belonged to Delhi. Others belonged to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, among others.

Giving lollipop: AAP

The AAP said the compensation cheques are like “giving lollipop” before the election.

Party’s Delhi convenor Ashutosh said instead of giving the cheques to just 17 families, Rajnath should have come out with a plan of disbursing the compensation money to remaining victims. “Now that Delhi elections are round the corner, the BJP has decided to hand over the compensation package to just 17 families.” he pointed out.

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