Expedite Rajoana’s release, demand Sikh high priests

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 26

The five Sikh high priests have directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to expedite the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is on death row for the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh on August 31, 1995. The Akal Takht had bestowed the title of “living martyr” on Rajoana on March 23, 2012, and a clemency appeal was filed with the President by the SGPC three days later.

Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and other high priests conducted a meeting at Akal Takht secretariat on Monday.

Giani Harpreet Singh said the SGPC’s appeal had not been heard so far. “The SGPC has been directed to approach the President to expedite the release of Rajoana, prior to the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak”, he said.

Also, the SGPC has been instructed to prepare detailed credentials and prevailing condition of the aggrieved families of those killed in Sikh struggle, the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Dharmi Faujis (those who left the Army in protest against Operation Bluestar) so that they could be helped out. On the ‘sixth Takht’ controversy, raised by Sarna Brothers, he said such statements should be avoided as these would end up creating a divide among the Sikh community.

Meanwhile, expelled Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Khadoor Sahib MP Ranjit Singh Brahmpura met Giani Harpreet Singh at the Akal Takht Secretariat on Monday.

“I came to submit before the acting Jathedar that maryada should be observed at any cost and there should be no compromise on it while taking any Panthic decision from the highest temporal seat,” he said. Brahmpura said he urged the acting Jathedar that efforts should be made to preserve the sanctity of Akal Takht.