Sad Core Panel Tells Sgpc To File Appeal

[Azaad]

The SAD core committee today moved towards getting former Chief Minister Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana’s death sentence commuted to life. It directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to file a clemency appeal before the President immediately.

The committee, which met here under the chairmanship of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and was attended by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, also asked the Punjab Government to take all steps to secure clemency for Rajoana.

Endorsed the steps taken by the government, the panel took note of the fact that the warrants of execution against Rajoana had been returned since it was not legally possible to execute the orders.

The core committee said the party was prepared to “go to any extent to secure clemency for Rajoana so that the hard-earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state was not disturbed.” The Chief Minister said he would make a special statement on the subject in the Assembly tomorrow.

The committee appealed to all political parties, organisations, institutions and citizens of the country to extend support for the movement to ensure clemency for Rajoana.

Sources said the Chief Minister made it clear in the meeting that his government should not be expected clear the way for Rajoana’s hanging. He said the case pertained to Chandigarh and the Union Territory could not leave it to Punjab. Other members said the Centre should be asked to deal with the case.

Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s statement was also discussed with members calling it a positive development.