Amritsar, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday organised prayer gatherings at gurdwaras and educational institutions under its management, seeking the release and well-being of Sikh prisoners who have remained incarcerated in various jails across the country for prolonged periods.
As part of the programme, bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib were held at historic gurdwaras managed by the SGPC, while Sri Sukhmani Sahib recitations were organised at its educational institutions. Prayers were offered for the release and Chardi Kala of the prisoners.
SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj participated in the prayer at Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Ninth, Karhali, Patiala, following the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. Jathedar Giani Tek Singh joined the prayer at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.
At Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall, associated with Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, the programme was held after the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. Hazoori Ragi Jathas performed Gurbani Kirtan, while Giani Parvinderpal Singh and Giani Rajdeep Singh, granthis of Sri Harmandir Sahib, addressed the congregation.
Speaking on the occasion, SGPC member Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta said the release of Sikh prisoners who had spent long periods in jail was an issue connected with the sentiments of the Sikh community.
He claimed that several of the prisoners had already served periods exceeding the sentences prescribed under Indian law. He also criticised governments for what he described as continued inaction on matters concerning Sikh prisoners.
Referring to Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, Mehta said the government had not taken a decision on his sentence-conversion issue despite observations by the Supreme Court. He also said Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara had not been granted parole to meet his ailing mother.
Mehta said the SGPC had organised the prayers in accordance with a decision of its executive committee and urged the government to consider Sikh sentiments while taking decisions concerning the prisoners.
The families of Sikh prisoners Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khehra and Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha were also honoured by the SGPC during the programme.
Several SGPC office-bearers, members, officials, representatives of Sikh organisations and members of the families of Sikh prisoners attended the gathering at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall.
FOLLOW NOW
