Tributes Paid At Darshan Singh Chhokar's Funeral
A father who led a campaign after the death of his son 17 years ago has been described as a "proud old warrior who feared no man'' as tributes were paid at his funeral.
Darshan Singh Chhokar died last month aged 76 following a long battle with cancer.
His son Surjit Singh Chhokar was 32 when he died after an incident outside his Lanarkshire home on November 4 1998.
A man is expected to go on trial next year accused of Surjit's murder.
Mr Chhokar, a former sergeant major in the Indian army, spoke at political party conferences, marches and events across the UK following his son's death.
His family were joined at a service at Maryhill Crematorium in Glasgow today by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, Solicitor General Lesley Thomson QC as well as MSPs and various union representatives. Tributes have also been paid from all walks of life, including from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The Chhokar family lawyer Aamer Anwar delivered the eulogy today and said it was an "honour to celebrate a life unlike that of any other man I have ever known''.
He told those gathered that "hidden beneath that flowing white beard and kind smile was a proud old warrior who feared no man''.
Mr Anwar said: "I still remember with fondness the private times when he would roar like a lion, but I will also miss the kindness of his smile and the gentle warmth of his embrace.
"Of course, Darshan was no saint, he loved a good whisky, swore like a trooper and had a mischievous sense of humour.
"But despite the heavy burdens he carried in later years he was a good man, an honourable man, a loving father, husband and grandfather, who has more than earned his place in the rich tapestry of the modern history of Scotland.''
Mr Anwar said Mr Chhokar's greatest quality was an unconditional love for his family which had no boundaries.
"So, when he passed away on Sunday night at home he was exactly where he wanted to be, with the two people he loved the most,'' he added.
"His beloved wife Gurdev, who had not left his side for over 60 years, and his daughter Manjit, who was always there through his darkest times.''
Mr Anwar added: "He symbolised for me more than anyone I have met in my lifetime what justice should be about, not the vanity of wigs and gowns, or a gentleman's club, but a humble man who demanded justice as a right and not a privilege.
"He placed victims' rights at the heart of a modern criminal justice system and that is his cherished legacy for generations to come.''
The cremation was followed by several hundred people attending prayers at the Sikh Temple in Albert Drive.
Ronnie Coulter, 47, denies killing Surjit Singh Chhokar in Overtown, North Lanarkshire, in 1998 while acting along with two other men during an alleged attack. A trial has been set for February.