Delivering a forceful address that resonated with the devotees on the eve of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur in Anandpur Sahib, the Sikh high priests reiterated their long-standing demand for the release of Bandi Singhs, the Sikh prisoners who continue to remain behind bars after completing their sentences.
Addressing a religious congregation at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said many Bandi Singhs had legally completed their terms, but were still lodged in jails “without justification”.
Drawing comparisons with previous high-profile releases, he asked that if those convicted in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi could be freed, why the Sikh detainees who have served their term could not be granted the same consideration. He said the anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the Guru who sacrificed his life to uphold freedom of conscience, serves as the most appropriate moment for the government to act.
Accusing the Punjab government and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of failing to sincerely pursue the matter with the Union Government, Gargaj said, “If the Centre and the Punjab government truly want to pay homage to Guru Teg Bahadur, they should begin by ensuring the release of Bandi Singhs.”
Earlier in the day, the Sikh high priests conducted an Amrit Sanchar ceremony at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. The Dharam Parchar Committee of the SGPC distributed literature on Sikh history and teachings, urging young Sikhs to embrace the “true form of Sikhi” and connect with the spiritual legacy of the Gurus. Dhadi jathas from various schools of Anandpur Sahib performed ballads recounting tales of sacrifice and valour from Sikh history.
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