Amritsar, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will organise special prayer ceremonies on August 29 seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, or Bandi Singhs, who have remained incarcerated for long periods despite completing their sentences.
The decision was taken unanimously by the office-bearers and members of the SGPC executive committee at a recent meeting chaired by SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, said SGPC Secretary Balwinder Singh Kahalwaan.
Under the programme, Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin at all historical gurdwaras under SGPC management on August 27. The bhog will be held at 10 am on August 29, followed by ardas.
Similarly, Sri Sukhmani Sahib paath will be organised at 10 am on August 29 at all SGPC-run educational institutions, including schools and colleges, followed by a collective ardas. Letters regarding the programme have already been sent to the concerned gurdwaras and educational institutions.
Kahlawan appealed to Sikh congregations, Sikh organisations and religious institutions in India and abroad to organise ardas programmes at their respective levels on August 29.
He said the issue of the Bandi Singhs was not merely about the release of individuals but was connected with justice, human rights and the equal application of law. Keeping prisoners incarcerated for decades after they have completed their sentences was also causing prolonged suffering to their families, he said.
Kahlawan said the SGPC had been raising the issue through constitutional and democratic means for a long time. Referring particularly to efforts for parole for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara to enable him to care for his elderly and seriously ill mother, he said the absence of any concrete action by the government remained a matter of concern.
He also criticised what he described as the governments’ inhumane approach towards the case of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana. He urged the governments to abandon their rigid stance and release the Bandi Singhs without further delay.
SGPC OSD Satbir Singh Dhami, private secretary Shahbaz Singh, additional secretary Jaswinder Singh Jassi, deputy secretary Gurnam Singh, Harbhajan Singh Vakta, Azad Deep Singh and manager Rajinder Singh Ruby were also present.
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