Rekha hands over job letters to kin of 1984 riot victims

New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to the kin of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. She said that by distributing these appointment letters, Delhi govt had not just provided jobs but also recognised the dignity and identity of thousands of families who waited decades for justice. She called it a landmark step in the journey toward justice for the riot victims."Today, as we appoint 125 individuals, with 19 already joining their duties, it is a moment of pride for all of us. This is more than a bureaucratic decision—it is a restoration of rightful entitlements," Gupta said."The 1984 riots remain a dark chapter in the history of India—one that is impossible to forget. For those who lost loved ones, no compensation can ever be enough for their pain...The process of delivering justice to the riot victims and punishing the perpetrators truly began after Prime Minister Modi assumed power at the Centre," CM added."We cannot undo the past, but we can certainly improve their present."Gupta said that over the last four decades, the victims endured immense pain and hardship but were not provided meaningful assistance. She further claimed that her govt had already started the disbursement of pending aid and grants to the Kashmiri migrants. She also said that many families who lost loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic were not provided any compensation. A special committee has been formed to identify such cases and provide financial support, CM added.Recalling the contributions of those who were imprisoned during the Emergency for standing up in defence of the democracy, Gupta said that they were never honoured. "Our govt has now decided that such defenders of democracy will receive the same respect as they do in other states."BJP govt in Delhi is also likely to provide pensions to "Loktantra Senanis" (political prisoners during Emergency) and felicitate them, sources said.Delhi cabinet minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called the appointments historic. "Delhi govt has even relaxed eligibility conditions to ensure justice is served. Today's process proves beyond doubt that while justice may be delayed, it is not always denied; it arrives, and it arrives with dignity," he said.