Akalis for release of Sikh prisoners

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 17

The SAD core committee on Tuesday urged the Centre to order release of all Sikh prisoners who are languishing in different jails throughout the country despite having served their stipulated sentence.

In a resolution passed at the meeting, the party urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end the unjust and unconstitutional incarceration of these Sikh and other Punjabi prisoners through a special announcement on the eve of the 550th Gurpurb of Guru Nanak.

Meanwhile, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal set up campaign panels for the Jalalabad and Dakha byelections. Former Cabinet Minister and senior leader Janmeja Singh Sekhon will be the campaign incharge for the Jalalabad constituency, senior vice-president Daljit Singh Cheema will head the panel for Dakha.

As a part of its federal vision, SAD, in another resolution, reiterated its strong and principled commitment to the perseverance and promotion of Punjabi language.

The party also came down heavily on the Congress government in Punjab for “its insensitive and incompetent handling of the situation in the wake of floods”. It said the flood-affected people were left to fend for themselves and the government was nowhere to be seen.

The committee demanded Rs 25,000 per acre as compensation for the crop loss or damage and a matching grant to farm labourers affected by the floods. The party also demanded compensation for loss of immovable properties.

The committee expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives in the Batala blast. Regretting the government apathy in dealing with the situation, the meeting demanded full compensation and rehabilitation measures for those affected by the tragedy.

The party also deeply mourned the sad and untimely demise of “the great son of Punjab, Arun Jaitley”. It paid glowing tributes to him, placing on record the outstanding services rendered by him to the nation and to Punjab. The meeting also paid tributes to Sushma Swaraj.