Release of Sikh prisoners outside state's jurisdiction: CM

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has said that while he sympathised with Sikh prisoners locked up outside the state, but he had no jurisdiction to intervention.

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has said that while he sympathised with Sikh prisoners locked up outside the state, but he had no jurisdiction to intervention.

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Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh had recently requested the state government to work for the release of Sikh prisoners, languishing in jails in spite of reportedly completing their punishment.

"Most prisoners are locked up out of the state. We empathise with them, but I cannot do much in this issue as it does not come into my jurisdiction. If I was to give the release orders, this will have taken a minute," said Badal, in town to observe the 41th anniversary of the Sant Fateh Singh.

Badal is the recipient of Panth Ratan award from Akal Takht.

He added: "The issue has been directly linked to the peace in the state. Punjab has come out of a troubled era. We must maintain peace and harmony in state."

On any possibility of seat-sharing between the SAD and the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls, he said: "We will see and speak with the BJP. We are not among those who start making claims."

The CM added that he would soon hold meeting on use of paddy straw to produce power.

Party senior vice-president Balwant Singh Ramoowalia said: "Our success in Delhi (winning three of four seats contested) is credited to deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal."

Cabinet Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon was also present at the function.