In LS, Harsimrat raises pitch for release of Sikh prisoners

Speaking in the Lok Sabha,Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal brought to the notice of the House that during the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak in 2019, the NDA government had given a special remission to eight Sikh prisoners. She said these prisoners included Prof Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar and Gurdeep Singh Khera.

Former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday demanded the release of all Sikh prisoners lodged in different jails across the country who have already completed their jail term.

Former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said now even the Supreme Court had directed the centre to take a decision on the mercy petition of Rajoana by April 30. (HT Photo)

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Bathinda MP brought to the notice of the House that during the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak in 2019, the NDA government had given a special remission to eight Sikh prisoners. She said these prisoners included Prof Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar and Gurdeep Singh Khera.

“Despite this, the AAP government in Delhi did not give a nod to the release of Bhullar. Similarly, Khera was incarcerated in a Karnataka jail without parole for more than 25 years,” she added.

Speaking on the inordinate delay in taking a decision on the mercy petition of death row prisoner Balwant Singh Rajoana, Harsimrat said now even the Supreme Court had directed the centre to take a decision on the mercy petition of Rajoana by April 30. She said Rajoana had been in jail for the past 27 years and was given a parole for an hour to attend the last rites of his father recently.