Centre’s no to PM-Takht panel meet regarding Sikh prisoners ‘unfortunate’, says Dhami
He said according to a recent communication from the Centre on March 21, 2025, the request was officially declined with the justification that the matter is under consideration with the ministry of home affairs.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami said on Wednesday that even after one-and-a-half years, the Centre has turned down the plea of the Akal Takht-constituted five-member panel for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the cases of Balwant Singh Rajoana and other Sikh prisoners.
He said according to a recent communication from the Centre 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 said the Akal Takht had constituted a five-member committee to address the cases of Balwant Singh Rajoana and other Sikh prisoners. Dhami is the head of the panel which also comprises Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka, Ajit Group of Publication Editor-In-Chief Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Rajoana’s sister Kamaldeep Kaur Rajoana and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) former leader Virsa Singh Valtoha.
This panel wrote to the PM office seeking time to meet Modi. “Unfortunately, the PM did not even consider granting time to meet with the committee,” he said.
Dhami further stated that several attempts were made to arrange a meeting with the PM regarding this matter. However, even after more than one-and-a-half years, the government’s response has been discouraging, he said.
Criticising the Indian government’s “ignorance” on the release of Sikh prisoners, the SGPC president called 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, he said the SGPC has been making continuous efforts for a long time regarding this serious issue concerning Sikhs. However, the Centre’s “negative approach” has been a major obstacle.
“Why has the government not taken any decision on Rajoana’s case, despite Supreme Court orders,” he asked. 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 said the cases of Rajoana and other Sikh prisoners are connected to Sikh sentiments, and they have already served long sentences. Therefore, the government must take immediate action without any further delay.
