Chandigarh, June 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A delegation of the senior leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet) on Sunday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting a wide range of Panthic, constitutional, agricultural, labour and economic issues affecting Punjab.
The memorandum urged immediate attention to matters concerning Sikh religious institutions, Punjab’s constitutional and federal rights, the welfare of farmers and labourers, and the state’s overall economic development.
Panthic and Sikh Issues
The party demanded comprehensive amendments to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act (Amendment) 2026 after extensive consultations with Sikh religious bodies and institutions.
Among other Panthic demands, the memorandum called upon the Central Government to formally apologize in Parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh massacres, declare former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as the principal accused in the tragedy, and rename Delhi Airport after Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The party also sought stringent punishment through a fast-track court for those accused in the 2015 sacrilege cases, including Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and his associates.
The memorandum further demanded immediate elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which have not been held since 2011, and the release of all eligible Sikh prisoners commonly referred to as “Bandi Singhs.”
Agriculture and Economic Concerns
On the agricultural front, the party sought a comprehensive farm loan waiver package, a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), and policy measures to encourage crop diversification.
It also called for the reopening of the Wagah border for trade to strengthen economic activity and improve market access.
The memorandum demanded protection of labour rights, waiver of loans of landless labourers, and the restoration of Punjab to Category-A under MGNREGA, enabling a 90:10 Centre-State funding pattern.
Punjab’s Rights and Federal Issues
The delegation also demanded the inclusion of Punjabi-speaking areas left out during the 1966 reorganization to complete the Punjabi Suba project.
It emphasized safeguarding Punjab’s rights over its river waters and hydroelectric projects and called for the immediate reopening and uninterrupted operation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Special Economic Package for Punjab
The party urged the Centre to grant Punjab a special economic and industrial package similar to those provided to other border states.
To provide relief from inflation, it demanded a 50 percent reduction in VAT and excise duties on petrol and diesel. It also sought timely availability of fertilizers, including DAP and urea, and strict action against black marketing and forced bundling practices.
The memorandum additionally called for granting Punjab Special Category Status in recognition of the state’s contributions to national security, agriculture and economic development.
Delegation Members
The delegation included senior party leaders such as Prem Singh Chandumajra, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Gobind Singh Longowal, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Gaganjit Singh Barnala, Ajaypal Singh Mirankot, Ranjit Singh Chhajlwadi, Gurjit Singh Talwandi, Jagjit Singh Kohli and Ravinder Singh Shahpur.
After submitting the memorandum, the leaders addressed the media outside Raj Bhavan and urged the Governor to take up these issues with the Central Government and facilitate their early, fair and effective resolution.
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 met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum seeking action on Panthic issues, SGPC elections, Bandi Singhs' release, MSP guarantee, farm debt waiver, Punjab's river waters and Special Category Status.){kind=link}