Sikh high priests renew demand for release of Bandi Singhs

On the eve of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the holy city of Anandpur Sahib witnessed a surge of devotees as Sikh high priests reiterated their long-standing demand for the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) who, they claim, continue to remain behind bars despite completing their sentences.

Addressing a religious congregation held at Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, said the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Guru who sacrificed his life to uphold freedom of conscience, served as the most appropriate moment for the government to act. He alleged that many Bandi Singhs had legally completed their terms, but were still lodged in jails “without justification”.

Drawing comparison with previous high-profile releases, he asked, “If those convicted in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi could be freed, why Sikh detainees who have served their term could not be granted the same consideration?”

Gargaj flayed the Punjab Government and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of failing to sincerely pursue the matter with the Centre.

“If the Centre and the Punjab Government truly want to pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, they should begin by ensuring the release of Bandi Singhs,” he asserted, eliciting loud support from the gathering. The Sikh high priests also conducted an ‘Amrit Sanchar’ ceremony at Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib, which saw participation from devotees of all age groups, particularly the youth.

The Dharam Parchar Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) distributed literature on the history of Sikhism and teachings of Sikh Gurus, urging youngsters to embrace the true form of ‘Sikhi’ and connect with the spiritual legacy of the Gurus. Besides, dhadi jathas from various schools of Anandpur Sahib performed ballads recounting episodes of sacrifice and valour from the Sikh history.

Meanwhile, as the main commemorative programmes approach, Anandpur Sahib witnessed its largest influx of pilgrims so far. The narrow roads leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib were teeming with devotees from across the country. Traffic slowed to a crawl as large numbers of families, youth groups and elderly pilgrims made their way on foot towards the revered shrines.

One of the key attractions for visitors was the special display organised by the SGPC outside Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. A bus specially modelled to showcase weapons associated with Guru Gobind Singh drew long queues of curious devotees, who were eager to connect with the martial heritage of the Sikh tradition.