Amid 75th anniversary of independence, SGPC holds protest for release of Bandi Singhs

Amritsar, August 13 The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has today held a protest at the district level amid the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence regarding the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners).

Memorandum was handed over to the Deputy Commissioner. On this occasion SGPC members and employees were wearing ‘black turbans’ who were participating in the protest.

Earlier in the morning, a large number of SGPC members and employees led by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami while wearing black turban in protest started a march from Golden Plaza ( outside the area of Golden Temple).

The march of SGPC while passing from the different areas of the city reached the Deputy Commissioner Office where they submitted a memorandum. A Memorandum was received by the SDM on the behalf of the Deputy Commissioner. It was addressed to the Prime Minister who had earlier in 2019 announced about the release of Sikh prisoners, said SGPC Secretary Kulwinder Singh Ramdas participating in the protest.

13 August 2022 Amritsar Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President and Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami along with Members of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and other Sikh organisations take part in a protest march to appeal for the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail terms, in Amritsar on Saturday. PHOTO-PRABHJOT GILL AMRITSAR

People participating in the protest march were also carrying placards demanding immediate release of Sikh prisoners.

Earlier, this decision was taken by the SGPC’s executive committee (EC) in a meeting presided over by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami at its office in Amritsar on August 10.

Dhami said that the Sikhs made over 80 per cent sacrifices for the freedom of the country, but sadly they are being made to feel alienated for the last 75 years.

“An example of this discrimination with Sikhs is non-release of Bandi Singhs who are jailed for the last three decades even after serving more than the life sentences. The constitution of the country gives equal rights to every citizen but the governments’ attitude towards the Sikhs has remained negative. It is due to this anti-Sikh attitude that justice is not being given to Sikhs imprisoned for the last 30 years”, said Dhami.

He said on one hand the country is celebrating its 75th anniversary, while on the other, the Sikhs who made the country free, have to struggle for their basic rights.

“It is due to this discriminatory attitude of the governments that the SGPC has decided to hold protest across Punjab on August 13”, said he. JMS