Amritsar, January 1 – To commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana a serious correspondence between the SGPC and Government level was under process.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami here today said that Jatehdar Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) Giani Raghbir Singh has been informed in a letter written to him about the ongoing efforts to commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajona.
Dhami in a letter informed Jatehdar Akal Takht that the correspondence with the Centre government is ongoing, but it may take some more time for the talks with the government.
When Dhami was asked about the purpose to inform Jatehdar Akal Takht, he said that in the meeting of Panj Singh Sahibs held on December 6, 2023, at Akal Takht, a five member high-level committee was formed to hold dialogue with the Centre government regarding the commutation of the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana and the release of other Sikh prisoners. An order was also given by the Panj Singh Sahibs that if the Centre government does not commute the death sentence of Bhai Rajoana by December 31, 2023, then the SGPC should reconsider its constitutional review petition regarding him.
In the letter written to the Jathedar, the Dhami said that serious efforts have been begun by the 5-member committee in the light of the order of Akal Takht. According to the opinion formed in the meetings of the committee, the correspondence with the Centre government is ongoing, but it may take some more time for the talks with the government. In response to the SGPC letter sent to the Prime Minister, the Sikh body has been asked to hold a discussion on this matter with the Union Home Minister, after which correspondence is being made to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The SGPC President urged the Jathedar that keeping the above-said facts in mind, the time given till December 31, 2023, should be extended for some time, so that a solid decision can be reached.
Dhami said that the issue of the release of Sikh prisoners and commutation of the death sentence of Rajoana was extremely important for the Sikh community and therefore, diligent efforts were being made as per the order of Akal Takht. He said that the 5-member committee formed by Akal Takht was trying at all levels and it is hoped that a meeting will be held with the Centre government in the coming days.
