Rajnath pays tribute to Banda Bahadur

Fatehgarh Sahib, June 26

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday paid rich tribute to Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and said ‘Khalsa Panth’ is the Suraksha Kavach (protective shield) of Indian culture.

Addressing the 300^th ‘Shaheedi Samagam’ of legendary Sikh warrior Banda Bahadur observed here, Singh said historians had not done justice to him despite his “unprecedented sacrifice”.

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He called upon the historians to carry on research specially to assess the significant role of founder of first sovereign Khalsa Raj, Banda Bahadur, for welfare and emancipation of villages, poor and farmers.

He fought for the proprietary rights to the tillers for the first time, Singh said.

The Home Minister also referred to a poem written by Rabindra Nath Tagore regarding the historic role played by Banda Bahadur and his sacrifices.

Lauding the contribution of ‘Khalsa Panth’ to the country, he said it has served as an armour (Suraksha Kavach) to safeguard the Indian culture and civilization.

He asked the youth to come forward and get inspired by heroic deeds of Banda Bahadur to fight against the divisive forces of cross-border terrorism.

He said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to look into the anti-Sikh riots cases of 1984, has recommended 22 cases to be reinvestigated after reviewing 286 cases, and justice will be ensured for one and all.

Addressing the function, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said Sikhism is the practical example of secularism, socialism and humanism.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, MPs Prem Singh Chandumajra and Balwinder Singh Bhunder also addressed the gathering attended by many other dignitaries. — PTI