Sikh bodies welcome Behbal Kalan report

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 7

The SGPC has chosen to keep its cards close to its chest on the report of People’s Commission of Inquiry, that held the police responsible for opening unprovoked firing on protesters at Behbal Kalan village and Kotkapura lathicharge. However, various Sikh religious bodies have welcomed the report but fear it may never find government’s approval.

When The Tribune contacted SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar over the matter, he refused to comment over the Justice Katju report and its recommendations.

In response to another query on whether the SGPC would ask the government to act upon the recommendations of the People’s Commission of Inquiry, Makkar said the CBI was investigating the matter and the Shiromani Committee would present its stand once the central agency submitted its report.

Meanwhile, Sikh religious organisations welcomed the recommendations of the inquiry, headed by Justice Markandey Katju.

Panthic Talmel Sangathan (PTS), an umbrella organisation of nearly 60 Sikh religious parties, said the government may never endorse the recommendations of the commission.

PTS convener Giani Kewal Singh, former jathedar, Damdama Sahib, feared the government may sweep the recommendations of the report under the carpet. He added that the police had opened fire and baton charged members of the Sikh community at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura when they were peacefully protesting against the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib.