Chandigarh | Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government will adopt every legal and constitutional means for the release of the imprisoned Sikhs as this long pending issue cannot be allowed to remain unresolved for an indefinite period. He said that the government had assured the Centre and the Governor that if Jagtar Singh Hawara is given parole to meet his ailing mother, then the law and order situation will be fully maintained but the Centre has not approved it yet.
The Chief Minister also said that he would raise the issue of parole of Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh. He also appealed to the Sikh organizations to continue their struggle peacefully and within the ambit of the law.
Giving information on his ‘X’ account, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today an important meeting was held with the representatives of the National Justice Front. During the meeting, we had a comprehensive discussion on their demands and assured them that our government is making continuous and sincere efforts for the early release of the imprisoned Sikhs. We are working with full seriousness for a meaningful solution to this issue and we hope that positive results will come out soon.”
During a meeting with representatives of Sikh organizations, farmers’ unions and other groups, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The government is ready to provide all possible assistance in this matter within the ambit of the law. The long-pending matter related to the detained Sikhs cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. The intentions and commitment of the AAP government are very clear and we stand firmly in favor of justice.”
The Chief Minister further said, “I am ready to provide all possible help within the scope of my powers and the state government will never become a hindrance in this matter.” He assured the delegation led by Sant Sewa Singh from Rampur Khera, Gurdeep Singh from Bathinda, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Gursewak Singh Kahaneke, Baba Bhupinder Singh and farmer leader Buta Singh Burjgill, among others, that the state government is fully committed to maintaining law and order during the parole of Jagtar Singh Hawara.”
Speaking on the issue, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government has already assured the Central Government and the Governor of Punjab that if Hawara is granted parole to meet his ailing mother, then the law and order situation in the state will be maintained.”
The Chief Minister expressed regret that despite the assurance given by the Punjab government, the parole was not granted. He said, “This matter is now under the jurisdiction of the Central Government. The Punjab Government will take full responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state. We have also assured Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard, but the Central Government has not granted parole yet.”
Addressing Sikh organizations, he said, “If Jagtar Singh Hawara is granted parole even for a few days, it should set an example of how peace and communal harmony can be maintained in the state.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This may pave the way for the release of other imprisoned Sikhs.” He also appealed to Sikh organizations to continue their struggle peacefully and within the ambit of the law.
He further said, “Some groups sometimes deliberately try to derail such movements and tarnish the image of Sikhs globally.” On the issue of parole of Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara, lodged in Burail Jail, the Chief Minister clarified that this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Administration.
The Chief Minister further said, “I will take up this matter with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh.” He asked Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, who was present in the meeting, to examine each case from the legal perspective so that an amicable solution can be found. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the committee that “the AAP government is fully committed to adopting all appropriate, legal and constitutional avenues for a proper and speedy resolution of this matter.”
The Chief Minister said, “The government will take all possible legal and constitutional steps for the release of the ‘Bandi Singhs’ lodged in jails as it involves a matter of justice, humanity and the rights of those who have already served a long term of imprisonment. The government will address this matter with sensitivity, responsibility and a clear commitment to justice, while fully respecting the constitutional and legal framework.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “When it comes to getting justice through legal means, the AAP government will not shy away from taking difficult but necessary steps.”
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs Alok Shekhar, Special Director General of Police (DGP) Law and Order PK Sinha, Principal Secretary, Jails Bhavana Garg, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Kumar Amit and other officials.
