Chandigarh, Oct 12 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday reiterated that his government will pursue every legal and constitutional avenue to secure the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners), asserting that the long-pending issue must not remain unresolved indefinitely.
He said that the government had assured the Centre and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria that law and order would be maintained if Jagtar Singh Hawara is granted parole to meet his ailing mother.
Hawara is jailed for life in the assassination case of then chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. His parole is yet to be approved by the Centre.
Mann also said that he would take up the parole cases of Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara with the governor, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh, while urging Sikh organisations to keep their struggle peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
Bheora and Tara are also convicts in the Beant Singh assassination case.
Mann held a meeting with the representatives of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha here.
During the meeting, Mann held detailed discussions on their demands and assured them that the government is making continuous and sincere efforts to secure the early release of the ‘Bandi Singhs’.
“We are working with full urgency towards a meaningful resolution of this issue, and we hope that positive results will emerge soon,” he said.
During a meeting with representatives of Sikh organisations, farmers’ unions and other groups, Mann stated, “The government is ready to extend all possible assistance in this matter within the framework of the law. The long-pending matter concerning Bandi Singhs must not be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. The AAP government’s intentions and commitment are absolutely clear, and we stand firmly in support of justice,” he said.
“I am ready to extend every possible assistance within my powers, and the state government will never become an obstacle in this matter,” he added.
He assured the delegation, comprising Sant Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, Gurdeep Singh from Bathinda, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Gursewak Singh Kahaneke, Baba Bhupinder Singh, farmer leaders Boota Singh Burjgil among others, that the state government is committed to ensuring law and order during Jagtar Singh Hawara’s parole.
“The Punjab government has already assured the central government and the governor of Punjab that law and order will be maintained in the state if Hawara is granted parole to meet his ailing mother,” Mann added.
Expressing regret that parole had not been granted, Mann said, “The matter now rests with the central government. The Punjab government will take responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state.”
“We have also given an assurance to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard, but the central government has still not granted parole,” he said.
Addressing the Sikh organisations, he emphasised, “Even if Jagtar Singh Hawara is granted parole for only a few days, it should serve as an example of how peace and harmony can be maintained in the state.”
“This can pave the way for the release of other Bandi Singhs as well,” he said.
The chief minister urged Sikh organisations to ensure that their struggle for the release of Bandi Singhs remained peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
“Certain groups sometimes deliberately resort to disruptive activities in an attempt to derail such movements and defame the image of the Sikhs globally,” Mann said.
On the issue of parole for Bheora and Tara, who are lodged in Burail Jail, the chief minister clarified, “The matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Administration.”
“I will take up this issue with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh,” he said.
Mann asked Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, who was present at the meeting, to examine each case from a legal perspective so that an amicable solution could be explored. PTI CHS KSI
KSI
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