Court Order Worries Sikhs

[Azaad]

The Chandigarh court’s move to send back Rajoana’s death warrants to Patiala jail authorities has created concern in the Sikh circles. Now, all eyes are on the developments that will unfold tomorrow in the aftermath of Sikh leaders meeting President Pratibha Patil in this regard.

There is a possibility that the Sikh clergy may hold yet another meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue if there is no “positive development” tomorrow.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said the court should have taken into account the entire situation before deciding to maintain the judgment. “Will it be right to hang an accused while the appeal of other co-accused in the case is pending before the SC,” he asked. The Jathedar said the peace had been restored in Punjab after a long period of turmoil and it should be maintained at all costs. “This is possible only when the prevailing situation is averted.” He urged the people to maintain peace and harmony during the bandh tomorrow.

Meanwhile, DSGMC chief Paramjit Singh Sarna today met the first secretary to the President, Christy Fernandez, to save Balwant Singh Rajoana from the gallows at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. Sarna said they told the official that the co-accused in the case, who had more serious charges against them, were given life imprisonment, but Rajoana was awarded death sentence. “We also aired our apprehensions about the move leading to the unrest in Punjab where peace has been prevailing for around one and a half decade now.” He also raised a question mark over the “seriousness of the SAD and the SGPC” over the issue.

On the other hand, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said the clemency petition moved by them had been submitted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

TIGHT SECURITY arrangements are in place to deal with any untoward incident during the bandh on Wednesday.

COMPANIES OF paramilitary forces & PAP and UP cops (in pic) have been deployed in the holy city of Amritsar.

IN OTHER districts of Majha belt too, PAP companies have been deployed to maintain law and order.