Amritsar, March 26, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, has strongly criticized the Indian government’s ignorance on the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), calling it a violation of human rights, an insult to the principles of justice, and an injustice to the Sikh community.
Speaking at the SGPC office today, Advocate Dhami stated that the SGPC has been making continuous efforts for a long time regarding this serious issue concerning Sikhs. However, the Centre government’s negative approach has been a major obstacle.
He recalled that Sri Akal Takht Sahib had constituted a five-member committee to address the cases of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and other Sikh prisoners. Unfortunately, it is disappointing that the Prime Minister did not even consider granting time to meet with this committee representing the highest Sikh religious authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Advocate Dhami further stated that several attempts were made to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this matter. However, even after more than one-and-a-half years, the government’s response has been discouraging.
He said that the five-member committee of Sri Akal Takht Sahib had requested a meeting with the Prime Minister in December 2023 to discuss the issue of Bhai Rajoana and Sikh prisoners.
He revealed that according to a recent communication from the Centre government, on March 21, 2025, the request was officially declined with the justification that the matter is under consideration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Dhami questioned why the government has not taken any decision on Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana’s case, despite Supreme Court orders. He pointed out that earlier, the Prime Minister’s office had suggested discussing the matter with the Home Minister, but even the Ministry of Home Affairs has not given a positive response.
He emphasized that the cases of Bhai Rajoana and other Sikh prisoners are deeply connected to Sikh sentiments, and they have already served long sentences. Therefore, the Indian government must take immediate action without any further delay.
He stressed that the rule of justice should be applied uniformly to everyone, and political considerations should not interfere in such matters. The government must fulfill its responsibility by ensuring justice for Sikh prisoners to prevent any sense of distrust among Sikhs.
On this occasion, SGPC members Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, Gurmeet Singh Booh, and OSD Satbir Singh Dhami were also present.
