Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray on Wednesday said that late Zail Singh,  while he was the President, had expressed gratitude to him for saving the lives of members of the Sikh community in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra in the aftermath of the anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi [Images] in 1984.

"Zail Singh was on a visit to Mumbai and he called me specially and expressed gratitude, saying he was thankful to me for saving the lives of Sikhs in Maharashtra and said the Sikh community is indebted to you," Thackeray said in the editorial of party mouthpiece `Saamna'.

Thackeray further said he had carried out his 'national duty' by protecting the Sikh community.

"Had I raised even a finger, more dangerous incidents would have happened in Mumbai than in Delhi," the Sena chief said referring to the largescale massacre in Delhi.

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"Some prominent members of the Sikh community had, at that time, met me and I assured them not to worry, Shiv Sena will protect you," he said.