Punjab: SAD (Punar Surjit) to join Aug 15 protest for release of Sikh prisoners

Giani Harpreet said the ardas was dedicated to the release of the Sikh prisoners, many of whom have remained imprisoned despite having served sentences far exceeding the prescribed terms for their offences

Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh on Tuesday said the party would participate in the August 15 event announced by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for the release of Sikh prisoners.

Giani Harpreet said the party would organise a programme at Longowal on August 20 to commemorate the death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. (HT File)

“Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the 1995 assassination case of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, has been in prison for the past 31 years. Awarded the death sentence in 2007, he has since remained confined to a death-row cell. Another convict in the same case, Jagtar Singh Hawara’s mother, is ailing, yet he has not even been granted parole. The governments have stopped listening to the demands. The party has decided to participate in the programme announced by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on August 15 to gherao the Punjab governor,” Giani Harpreet said after offering ardas at Akal Takht along with other leaders to mark the first anniversary of the party’s formation.

He said the ardas was dedicated to the release of the Sikh prisoners, many of whom have remained imprisoned despite having served sentences far exceeding the prescribed terms for their offences.

Later, while addressing a meeting of all office-bearers at the party office, Giani Harpreet said the party would organise a programme at Longowal on August 20 to commemorate the death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. “Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Gobind Singh Longowal and all the leaders of Sangrur district are making preparations to make the event a success,” he said.