PRESS RELEASE: 11 March 2016 – Chandigarh: I.P.D delegation from UK members Paramjit Singh Dhadi, Ragbir Singh, Balbir Singh Randhawa, Kashmir Singh Morawali, Balvir Singh Sohal and Sarabjit Singh Gill met with the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to discuss issues.
* Sikh issues & requested Sikh prisoners to be released immediately
* Water shortage in Punjab and emphasised that farmers rights in Punjab need to be secured
During the meeting rising issues were brought forward including delays in investigating the disrespect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Bargaadi, Behbal Kala and various other places. There were also incidents of firing by the police at peaceful protests. Sukhbir Singh Badal indicated that CBI will soon be presenting its report.
The delegation requested that innocent Sikh prisoners and those who had completed their sentences should be released immediately. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Gurdip Singh Khera & Balvir Singh Bhutna just to name a few. The Deputy Chief Minister promised that they will be released in the coming days and that legal proceedings are underway. The delegation strongly expressed that if the release could be speeded up during their visit to which the Deputy CM concurred.
Recently there have been incidents involving Sri Akal Takht Sahib which have resulted in the importance of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib to be undermined and the current Jathedars have hurt Sikh sentiments disappointing the Sikh nation. The Sikh Nation wants these Jathedars to be dismissed and new good character Jathedars to be appointed who can uphold the importance of Akal Takht Sahib. In reply to this the CM said that the Shiromani Committee is already working on this and there will be results coming out soon.
The delegation also expressed it’s disappointment as to how the traditional concepts were being replaced which are against Sikh ethics. Sukhbir gave his word of consideration would be given to this.
I.P.D stated that they are facing difficulties with the Anand Karaj, the marriage having taken place in the Gurdwara according to Sikh traditions but the registration is under Hindu Marriage Act. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal stated that there are legal proceedings underway regarding this and very soon the Anand Karaj Act will be implemented.
Sikhs abroad are encountering difficulties especially black lists created by the Indian government and PO’s due to personal conflicts, as a result they cannot go back to their country. Sukhbir stated that “90% of the lists have been destroyed and the remainder will also be destroyed soon. Those with PO’s can contact their department so that a solution can be found to this situation.”
The issue regarding the involvement of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee (SGPC) in a case at Supreme Court since the last 5 years was also brought to attention by the IPD leaders. Sukhbir replied that “he is in talks with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi about this and constructive ideas will be revealed in the near future”. The IPD representatives demanded that any SGPC members who are fighting cases and cannot carry out their duties, they should be given a term of five years membership to effectively carry out their duties.
At the meeting it was also mentioned strongly to Sukhbir Badal that the waters of Punjab needed to be protected and all official/political wars have to be fought with full force. So that the farmers of Punjab and land of Punjab can be saved from ruin.
In reply the Deputy said that “Shiromani Akaal Dal (SAD) will fight every step to secure the waters and protect farmers of Punjab even if any sacrifice is required. IPD leaders said that they felt satisfied by the promises and comments made by Sukhbir and will see if the results and solutions are forthcoming.
