Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) tried to encash the popularity of fasting Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa by making attempts to express solidarity with him but was rebuked on Wednesday.
Gurbaksh Singh questioned the Delhi Gurdwara panel for approaching him on “35th day of his fast” asking them where were they for all these days, and charged them for acting only upon the directions of the Badals.
He also accused them of maintaining silence while the injustice is being meted out with the Sikhs in Punjab by the Government. All this while, the panel members listened to Khalsa’s outburst.
Responding, the DSGMC has assured him of taking up the matter at the every possible forum, and to begin with, its delegation would be meeting Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-led DSGMC on Tuesday formed a five-member committee for fulfilling Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s demands and to resolve the issue “within 15 days”. The panel members visited him at his fast site — Mohali’s Gurdwara Amb Sahib on Wednesday.
Interestingly, the panel was formed the same day the SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal broke his silence over the issue, “favouring” Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s demand of releasing those who have completed their sentence.
The panel, formed by the DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK, comprised SAD leaders Avtar Singh Hit, Onkar Singh Thapar, DSGMC joint secretary Harmeet Singh Kalka, head of DSGMC dharma parchar committee Paramjit Singh Rana, and SP Singh from the Sikh Sangat. Terming Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s demands as panthic issue, Manjit Singh has maintained that the DSGMC would continue its political and legal battle for the release of Sikhs languishing in jails despite having completed their jail sentences.
“Our five-member high-powered panel has met Gurbaksh Singh at Gurdwara, and has taken note of all his demands. The panel has also assured him that the SAD will take up the issue and resolve it at the earliest,” Manjit Singh told The Pioneer.
He added: “Our delegation, led by SAD’s Delhi unit’s senior leader Avtar Singh Hit, will be meeting the Chief Minister tomorrow to apprise him about the situation, and to take steps to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
Regarding Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s resentment over approaching him after so many days, Manjit Singh said that he was under some wrong impression, and “he was made aware that I was in regular touch with the Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh who was mediating with them”.
“He has been asked to resolve the issue by talking with him. At that time, we were busy with the elections. And now, we are working out every possible way to fulfill his demands. We are meeting the Chief Minister, and will also take up the matter with the Centre if required,” said Manjit Singh.
Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa has been fasting since November 14 seeking the release of six Sikhs, initially five, languishing in prisons “after completion of their jail sentences”, including Gurmeet Singh, Shamsher Singh, lakhwinder Singh — all lodged in Chandigarh’s Burail Jail since 1995 convicted for their involvement in assassinating former Chief Minister Beant Singh on August 31, 1995.
Others include Shamsher Singh, lal Singh currently in Nabha’s Maximum Security Jail, Wariam Singh currently now in Uttar Pradesh’s Bans Bareli Jail, and Gurdeep Singh Khaira currently in Karnatka Gurbarg Jail.