Chandigarh, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Shiromani Akali Dal Punar-Surjit president Giani Harpreet Singh has criticised the repeated granting of parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, describing the decisions as an affront to the sentiments of the Sikh community.
In a written statement, Giani Harpreet Singh alleged that governments appeared insensitive to the emotional pain caused among Sikhs by Ram Rahim’s repeated release from prison.
He contrasted the parole granted to Ram Rahim with the government’s refusal to grant parole to Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, saying Hawara’s elderly mother was in the final stage of her life and waiting to meet her son. He said panchayats across the district had passed resolutions seeking Hawara’s parole and that leaders of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha had expressed their willingness to take responsibility for his release.
Despite these efforts, he alleged, the government had refused to grant Hawara even 10 days of parole.
Giani Harpreet Singh also referred to protests by the Sikh community, including a march towards the Governor House and a Punjab bandh. He alleged that instead of addressing the demand, the government took police action against leaders who participated in the march and registered cases against them.
Questioning the repeated parole granted to Ram Rahim, Giani Harpreet Singh referred to his conviction in a rape and murder case and alleged that the violence following his sentencing had resulted in around 40 deaths. He said court employees, police personnel and media persons were among those affected by the violence.
He further alleged that Ram Rahim was being repeatedly released despite being the principal accused in cases concerning the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Giani Harpreet Singh warned political parties seeking to form governments in Punjab against disregarding Sikh sentiments. He said that those perceived as supporting individuals accused in sacrilege cases would not gain political acceptance in the state.
He demanded the immediate release of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and all other Bandi Singhs.
The statement was issued to the media by Media In-charge Tajinder Singh Pannu.
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