Chandigarh, October 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar-Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh has urged political parties aspiring to form the government in Punjab to demonstrate genuine concern for the state and its people, particularly the Sikh community.
In a press statement, Giani Harpreet Singh alleged that parties controlled from Delhi were eager to govern Punjab but lacked sympathy for its people. He cited the Centre’s opposition in the Supreme Court to a plea seeking clemency for Balwant Singh Rajoana as an example of what he described as the government’s insensitive approach towards Sikh issues.
Giani Harpreet Singh said Rajoana had spent 31 years in prison, including approximately 15 years in a death-row cell. He termed the prolonged confinement a violation of human rights and criticised the government for opposing the plea by citing concerns that developments could affect the situation in Punjab.
He alleged that successive governments had failed to deal with issues concerning Sikhs with empathy, forcing the community to struggle for its rights regardless of which political party was in power.
Raises Questions Over SGPC Elections and Sikh Prisoners
Giani Harpreet Singh also criticised the Centre over the administration of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Alleging that the institution had become embroiled in scams and conspiracies, he said the government was unwilling to ensure impartial elections that would allow Sikhs to choose its administration.
He also referred to the denial of parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara to visit his ailing mother, citing the matter as another example of the difficulties faced by Sikh prisoners.
Drawing comparisons with other criminal cases, Giani Harpreet Singh questioned the consideration of Kishori Lal for release on grounds of good conduct, alleging that Lal had been involved in the killings of Sikhs during the November 1984 violence in Delhi. He contrasted this with Rajoana’s continued confinement on death row.
He further cited the case of those convicted in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment and who were subsequently released. He argued that Sikh prisoners should also receive fair consideration.
Seeks Fulfilment of Assurance Made During Guru Nanak’s 550th Birth Anniversary
Concluding his statement, Giani Harpreet Singh called on the Central Government to honour what he described as a promise made during the celebrations marking the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
He demanded the immediate release of Balwant Singh Rajoana and other Sikh prisoners, along with an honourable resolution of the longstanding demands of the Sikh community.
Giani Harpreet Singh maintained that political parties seeking to govern Punjab must first demonstrate sensitivity towards Sikh concerns and address issues affecting the community.
The statement was issued to the press by Tajinder Singh Pannu, media in-charge.
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