Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated on Wednesday that even after one-and-a-half years, the Centre has turned down the plea of the Akal Takht-constituted five-member panel for a gathering with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to handle the circumstances of Balwant Singh Rajoana and different Sikh prisoners.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami
He stated in response to a current communication from the Centre on March 21, 2025, the request was formally declined with the justification that the matter is into consideration with the ministry of house affairs.
Dhami stated the Akal Takht had constituted a five-member committee to handle the circumstances of Balwant Singh Rajoana and different Sikh prisoners. Dhami is the top of the panel which additionally includes Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Administration Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka, Ajit Group of Publication Editor-In-Chief Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Rajoana’s sister Kamaldeep Kaur Rajoana and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) former chief Virsa Singh Valtoha.
This panel wrote to the PM workplace looking for time to satisfy Modi. “Unfortunately, the PM did not even consider granting time to meet with the committee,” he stated.
Dhami additional said that a number of makes an attempt had been made to rearrange a gathering with the PM concerning this matter. Nonetheless, even after greater than one-and-a-half years, the federal government’s response has been discouraging, he stated.
Criticising the Indian authorities’s “ignorance” on the discharge of Sikh prisoners, the SGPC president referred to as it a “violation of human rights, an insult to the principles of justice, and an injustice to the Sikh community”.
Talking on the SGPC workplace, he stated the SGPC has been making steady efforts for a very long time concerning this severe subject regarding Sikhs. Nonetheless, the Centre’s “negative approach” has been a serious impediment.
“Why has the government not taken any decision on Rajoana’s case, despite Supreme Court orders,” he requested. He identified that earlier, the Prime Minister’s workplace had steered discussing the matter with the house minister, however even the ministry of house affairs has not given a optimistic response.
He stated the circumstances of Rajoana and different Sikh prisoners are related to Sikh sentiments, they usually have already served lengthy sentences. Due to this fact, the federal government should take fast motion with none additional delay.