SGPC Approves Memorial for Human Rights Activist Jaswant Singh Khalra at Harike Pattan

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has approved the construction of a memorial at Harike Pattan in memory of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The decision was taken during a meeting of the SGPC’s executive committee, chaired by its president, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Harjinder Singh Dhami said the decision to establish the memorial at Harike Pattan was taken in accordance with directions issued by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib during a recent event held there. He said a suitable site for the memorial would be identified soon, following which construction work would begin. Memorials for Bhai Gurdas Ji and Bhai Mani Singh Ji Also Approved During the meeting, the committee also approved plans to establish memorial sites dedicated to Bhai Gurdas Ji and Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji within the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex. According to Dhami, the two memorials will be constructed on either side of Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbaksh Singh inside the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex. He said both personalities played significant roles in Sikh history and rendered important services at Darbar Sahib. Prayers for Release of Sikh Prisoners The committee also decided to organise collective prayers across gurdwaras in the country for the release of Sikh prisoners. As part of the programme, Akhand Paths will begin at all gurdwaras on August 29, followed by their conclusion and a collective prayer on the same day. Similar prayers will also be organised at educational institutions and trusts functioning under the SGPC. SGPC Condemns Praise for Sajjan Kumar The executive committee strongly condemned Congress leaders for praising the late leader Sajjan Kumar following his death. Dhami said those accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots should have received the strictest possible punishment. He also criticised the Congress party, alleging that such individuals had continued to be honoured with political positions. Demand for Parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara The committee also demanded immediate parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara so that he could meet his seriously ill and elderly mother. Dhami criticised the government’s approach towards the parole application and said that Sikh prisoners had repeatedly faced injustice from successive governments. The committee also raised the issue of Balwant Singh Rajoana’s long-pending mercy petition and the matter concerning the commutation of his sentence.