New Delhi, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and families of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots on Friday strongly criticised Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda for describing the death of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as an “irreplaceable loss”, demanding an apology over the remarks.
Kumar, who was serving a life sentence in connection with cases related to the 1984 riots, died on Thursday at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. The riots followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards.
Reacting to Kumar’s death, Hooda had said that it was “an irreplaceable loss for the country’s political horizon”. He described Kumar as a prominent political figure in Delhi, rural Delhi and North India and said his connection with the people was exemplary.
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia condemned Hooda’s remarks and demanded an apology from both the Congress MP and the party.
“How can a person like Jagdish Tytler, HKL Bhagat…and all those who killed our innocent Sikh brothers in broad daylight and are responsible for the murder of around 3,000 people during the 1984 riots, be called role models?” Majithia told IANS.
He questioned whether Hooda’s remarks represented the Congress’ position and said the statement should prompt Sikhs to assess the party’s stance on the 1984 violence.
SAD leader Daljeet Singh Cheema also criticised Hooda, saying he should have considered the impact of his remarks on families affected by the riots.
“People were killed, burned alive, and their homes were destroyed. He may have his own personal political views, but as a leader, when you ignore one side and make such statements, it hurts the Sikh community deeply,” Cheema said.
Surjit Singh, president of the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Victim Welfare Society, also condemned Hooda’s statement and said victims were still awaiting justice.
“Deepender Hooda should be ashamed for making such a statement…this person (Kumar) has ruined the history of the Congress,” he said.
Another Surjit Singh, who identified himself as a family member of a 1984 riot victim, said seven members of his family were burned alive during the violence.
“It is very unfortunate that Deepender Hooda is siding a criminal. He should be ashamed for praising a person who is responsible for the massacre of so many people,” he said.
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