Bokaro, Sept. 23: The Sikh community of Bokaro-Chas has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, chief minister Arjun Munda, Bokaro deputy commissioner Nitin Kulkarni and Chas SDO Sudhir Ranjan, questioning the delay in paying compensation to the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Senior members of Chas Gurudwara Management Committee claimed that out of 79 people killed in Bokaro-Chas, kin of a few had not received Rs 3.5 lakh ex gratia allotted by the Centre while widows of two victims were yet to get pensions.

The letter, undersigned by chief of Chas Gurudwara Management Committee Harbhajan Singh and general secretary Bhavnit Singh Sunny, said those who had gone to Punjab after the riots were issued red cards, which entitled them to compensation of Rs 2 lakh wherever they stayed.

“But the red cardholders of Bokaro are still waiting for their compensation. Besides, despite promises that ten-time more compensation will be given to those who lost their belongings in the riots, only a meagre Rs 10,000 was paid to each,” he added.

The members further complained that compensation were paid to many who were not entitled to it. “We have lodged FIRs and urge the district administration to take necessary action,” Harbhajan said.

DC Kulkarni, however, claimed that the relatives of all 79 killed had been given compensation. “Only 15 families are yet to receive pension. They have been asked to give their bank account numbers. The money has been sent to Chas SDO,” he added.