Since the beginning of this month, the news of Panjab Sub-inspector, Surjit Singh’s confession is selling like a hot cake. Some say that human rights activists have found a god gifted opportunity to vomit their anger on the Indian government for its controversial and objectionable actions in the state of Panjab in 1980s and early 1990s; while others argue that having been so brutal in his youth, which miracle has changed the thinking process of the Panjab COP that he is making such horrible confessions.
Whether it is honey cake for Human rights organizations or a miraculous revolution in Surjit’s life, the most unfortunate reality is that no one is giving ear to his voice. True that he killed around 83 Sikhs in early 1990s in false encounters that is an unforgivable heinous crime and he must be brought to justice but what about those whom he killed? Thousands of those who fell prey to extra judicial, custodial and arbitrary executions? Those who perpetrated this havoc, those who are still waiting for the miraculous return of their dear ones?
None of these questions can be answered unless or until we try to look into the matter impartially instead of criticizing human rights activists for creating undue hype or rebuking Surjit for his black deeds. These debates will lead us to nowhere and the real perpetrators of draconian violence will remove Surjit from the face of the earth
Both the wings, criticizing the human rights organizations an rebuking the Panjab COP, must be aware of the ground situation which says that ever-since Surjit’s confession, he is constantly facing life threats from his senior police officers. He went to Panjab Haryana High Court but HC dismissed his petition on the ground that he must go to his high-ups first. How amazing it is that honorable court wants him to go to those whom he is blaming! Still there is a ray of hope as the Sub-inspector plans to knock the door of the Apex court.
One thing is pretty much obvious that the Panjab police has been notorious for its extra-judicial or arbitrary execution. Then what is the harm in investigating this important and sensitive disclosure? Surely, Surjit should be punished for his crime but why only him? Why not those whose orders he obeyed? Why not those who have been shielding such officers? Why not those who forced and pressurized their juniors to commit such crimes? And why not those who denied the timely justice?
So it is hoped that the Apex court would listen to the Sub-inspector considerately as it is the last resort he is left with. The Apex court may not only save him from an expected abduction but this case may prove to be a new dawn of optimism for the Sikh community as well. Otherwise, the deprived segment would keep asking the question that:
