SGPC calls to deliberate on the release of Sikh prisoners: A call for an ‘awareness rally’ in Delhi on May 15
Ensuing the directions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib , Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had called a special meeting of Sikh political and religious Jathebandis (organisations) at SGPC’s headquarters Teja Singh Samundri Hall on May 11, to deliberate , strategise and chalk out a co-operative sturdy plan for the release of Sikh prisoners wedged in different Indian jails for almost the last three decades , but now several Sikh bodies, including Political Sikh Prisoners Release Front (Delhi) and and Hawara Committee, have given a call for an ‘awareness rally’ in Delhi on May 15
“This matter is very serious as the Sikh prisoners are not being released despite the fact that they have completed their sentences. On one hand, Kishori Lal, a convict in 1984 Sikh genocide has been given furlough and parole for several times but on the other hand, the Sikh prisoners who have already served more than the life imprisonment are being discriminated against”, said S. Harjinder Singh, SGPC President Advocate, Addressing the media at the SGPC office on Thursday
He strongly criticised the Kejriwal government in Delhi for deliberately becoming an obstruction in the release of Prof Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. “As per the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Sikh organisations and sampradas (branches) will sit together and move forward as per the strategy decided for future in the meeting. If there would be a need for an intensified struggle, the same will be carried forward. I appeal to all the Panthak organisations to participate in this meeting”, said S. Harjinder Singh.
Prof Baljinder Singh, a member the of Hawara Committee formed by Akal Takht parallel jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in Beant Singh assassination case, said when in alliance with BJP, the SAD(B) had not elevated the matter effectually but is now looking into its own political interests. The Hawara committee alleged that the SAD (Badal) has been misusing the issue for political gains through the SGPC. “Keeping in mind the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will want to take the credit of releasing Sikh prisoners to win the hearts of Sikhs, especially the hardliners, and it will not allow any other party, including SAD, to take the credit,” he marked.
The May 15 rally would begin from Gurdwara Baba Jorawar Singh ji Baba Fateh Singh ji, Fateh Nagar, Delhi, at 10 am and conclude at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib, he said. Baljinder commented that a large number of Sikh political and religious representatives would attend the ‘awareness rally’. He said prominent Sikh leaders of Delhi including Paramjit Singh Sarna, Manjit Singh GK, and others have given their agreement to be the part of the rally.
PSPRF (D) executive member Dr Parminderpal Singh stated, “We have not received an invitation to attend the May 11 meeting called by SGPC. But it is a Panthic issue and we will attend it even if not invited.” A Political Prisoners Release Committee was also formed recently to put pressure on the government for the release of Sikh prisoners. PSPRF (D) was established by Daljit Singh, who is sanctioned to meet Hawara in jail and had been pursuing the release of Sikh prisoners from jails