Endorsing the Central Government’s decision to provide compensation of Rs5 lakh to each victim of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Punjab Congress on Friday demanded a similar relief for the victims of terrorist violence in the State.
“The victims of terrorist violence in the State should also be extended a similar relief…These approximately 33,000 victims should be compensated equal to the compensation given by the UPA Government and now the Modi Government to the riot victims,” said Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Partap Singh Bajwa.
Bajwa said that thousands of innocent families suffered during more than a decade long violence that rocked Punjab. The then Chief Minister Beant Singh sacrificed his life in the fight against terrorism and succeeded in restoring peace.
“Victims of the senseless violence must be given compensation on the pattern on which the Centre had decided to sanction Rs5 lakh to each of the sufferer family. Thousands of people in Punjab had to migrate either to other states or from villages to the cities leaving their home and hearth. These families suffered at every level,” he said.
Bajwa said that it was high time that both the State and the Central Government also include such victims in the package finalised by the victims of 1984 victims of violence.
“At the same time, the Sovernments should be cautious about the people and the organisations trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the State,” he said.
Bajwa added, “India is characterized by diversity and strict action should be taken against those trying to disturb the delicate social fabric of this great country. Social tension is already on the rise in the country due to provocative statements being made by the members of the Sangh Parivar.”