Amritsar, April 16: A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), chaired by Harjinder Singh Dhami, was held today.
During the meeting, the policy of delay being adopted by the Centre government in the matter of Balwant Singh Rajoana and other Sikh political prisoners (Bandi Singhs) was strongly condemned and termed as alleged discriminatory behaviour towards the Sikh minority. A special resolution was passed demanding that the Supreme Court should direct the Centre government to make an immediate decision on the commutation of Rajoana’s death sentence so that justice can be delivered to him, as he has been on death row since 2007.
Talking to the media after the meeting, Dhami stated that Rajoana has conveyed his message that the SGPC should withdraw its petition concerning him and ask the Centre government to take a swift decision, as he no longer sees any difference between life and death Dhami said the SGPC respects Rajoana’s sentiments, and his steadfastness and high spirit during long imprisonment is a source of inspiration for the Sikh community. He further added that the government should not backtrack on its decisions and must fully implement the notification issued during the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev in 2019. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s direction to the Centre government to make a decision in Rajoana’s case should not be ignored.
He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter and take a large-hearted decision in case of Rajoana in line with Sikh sentiments. The SGPC President emphasized that the Sikh community is seeking justice for the Sikh political prisoners, not begging. He also mentioned that the SGPC will seek an appointment with the Union Home Minister regarding the matter and will send a senior official to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the same.
Regarding the suggestions being sought for the rules concerning the appointment and retirement of the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Dhami informed that a large number of suggestions have already been received and are still coming in. He appealed to the wider Sikh community, especially leading Panthic organizations, to send their suggestions to the SGPC so that a comprehensive policy based on collective opinion and sentiment can be formulated. He mentioned that the deadline for sending suggestions is April 20, after which a committee will be formed to review the inputs. He said this is a significant task requiring in-depth deliberation.
