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SGPC seeks release of Sikh prisoners, hands over memorandum to vice-president Dhankhar
SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote in the memorandum that Bandhi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners) were lodged in different jails for nearly three decades despite completion of their sentences
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on Wednesday gave a memorandum to vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar seeking the release of Sikhs lodged in different jails despite completion of their sentences. Dhankhar was on a day-long visit to Amritsar with his family and offered prayers at the Golden Temple.
In the memorandum, Dhami wrote that Bandhi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners) were lodged in different jails for nearly three decades despite completion of their sentences.
“This is a big injustice to the Sikh community,” he stated in the memorandum.
“These imprisoned Sikhs are those who chose the path of struggle in 1984 during a protest against the military attack on the central Sikh shrine,” he added.
On the issue of Sikh prisoners, the SGPC had also sent letters seeking meetings with the prime minister, the home minister, the chief ministers of Delhi and Karnataka, but the Sikh body did not receive any positive response, Dhami said.
“It is being felt that by not releasing Sikh prisoners, they are being discriminated against,” the SGPC chief said.
He asked that the vice-president take cognisance and issue necessary directions to the central and state governments concerned for the release of Sikh prisoners.
Dhankhar assured the SGPC chief that he would take up the issue.
The vice-president also partook ‘langar’ and did voluntary service of washing dishes.
In the visitor’s book at the Golden Temple, Dhankhar wrote, “Blessed to have visited Darbar Sahib today. The peace, serenity, devotion and sense of service here is an unforgettable experience.”
He also visited Jallianwala Bagh and Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal. “Moved after visiting Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial of national importance. Poignantly reminds of the sacrifice of martyrs to whom we are eternally indebted,” Dhankhar wrote in the visitor’s book at the memorial park.
Dhankhar waits for 20 minutes to pay obeisance at Durgiana temple
Vice-president Dhankhar had to wait for about 20 minutes for offering prayers at Durgiana temple here as the doors of the famous Hindu shrine were closed when he arrived on Wednesday.
“The doors of the temple are closed for devotees between 1pm and 3pm,” said Durgiana temple president Laxmi Kanta Chawla.
Chawla said Dhankhar along with his eight family members arrived at the temple at around 2.40 pm. “They spent 20 minutes with us in the office of the temple and exchanged pleasantries,” she said.
“I told the vice-president about the opening time of the temple for devotees. He told me that he has a deep respect for the temple and is also aware of tenets and timings of the temple. He also said he was here to have the glimpse of ‘Thakur Ji’,” said Chawla. He was not annoyed when asked to wait for the opening of the temple’s doors, she said.
Amritsar deputy commissioner Harpreet Singh Sudan said, “The vice-president had reached Durgiana temple in advance. His staff were already aware of the opening timing of the temple. He spent 20 to 25 minutes in the office of the temple.”
