SAD against Tytler leading India at London Olympics

Punjab’s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday strongly opposed the decision of the Congress-led UPA government to depute Congress leader and accused in 1984 Sikh massacre Jagdish Tytler to lead the Indian delegation for the London Olympics. The SAD said inclusion of a person accused of grave human rights violation is an “insult to humanity” and would send a “wrong signal worldwide”. It  said the only explanation for his selection to lead the Olympic delegation can be that the Congress party was “with Tytler and will remain with him whatever the allegations against him be”.

The party urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene and reverse the decision. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), too, has opposed the move.

Akali Dal secretary Daljit Singh Cheema said “it was surprising” that a man who allegedly led violent mobs in the streets of Delhi to massacre innocent Sikh children, men and women was chosen for leading the country’s contingent at the Olympics. Tytler, he said, has been indicted by the Nanavati Commission.

“It shows the insensitivity of the Congress-led UPA government for the feelings of right thinking countrymen in general and Sikh community in particular. This action is unjustified and highly provocative and amounts to rubbing salt on the wounds of Sikh community,” he added. Dr Cheema further observed that the government’s move would send a “wrong” message to the investigative agencies probing the cases of 1984 Sikh massacre.

“This has also shattered hopes of thousands of the aggrieved families who are fighting for justice for the last 27 years,” he said.