By IANS
Jammu : The victims of the 1989 anti-Sikh riots that claimed at least 16 lives here have demanded treatment on par with Kashmiri Hindu migrants and have urged the government to take steps for their permanent rehabilitation.
On Jan 13, 1989 anti-Sikh riots broke out at this winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir during a religious procession. Apart from those killed, dozens were injured and shops and business establishments of the community members were looted, torched and ransacked.
Recalling the macabre incidents, Joint Forum of the Victims of 1989 Riots – a body that claims to be representing the victims’ families – urged Governor S.K. Sinha that he should intervene and ask the government to treat them on par with the Kashmiri migrants who are given Rs.3,000 a month, free food and preference in government jobs.
In a memorandum to the governor, forum leaders have alleged that the government has not provided any relief to the victims so far.
They alleged that the riots were due to the failure of the state machinery at that time. Therefore, they said, it was the responsibility of the government to compensate them for their losses.