Sikh's apex body meets Prez, requests early release of Sikh prisoners

With several Sikh prisoners languishing in various jails across the country, the Sikh's apex body, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) met President Pranab Mukherjee and appealed to him take up the issue of release of the prisoners.

The Sikh's apex body has been repeatedly urging the Union government to release the prisoners who have been imprisoned under Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and other charges and remain in jail even after completing their jail term.

The former Akali government had also taken up the matter with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought release of Khalistani prisoners, who have served their minimum jail term.

As per the SGPC report, there are at least 119 prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana who is on death row for the assassination of the then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. The SGPC had also sought clemency for Rajaona, which is still pending with the President. "We had raised the issue with previous governments too," said Kirpal Singh Badungar, President, SGPC Amritsar.

Other requests

Also urged to return historical and religious material taken from the Golden Temple during Operation Blue Star in 1984.
They pressed for strict action against those found guilty in desecration of Sikh's holy book, Guru Granth Sahib.