Sikhs Arrested In Jammu For Protesting

[Azaad]

At least a dozen Sikh protesters were detained today after they tried to take out a procession against the hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is on death row in the assassination case of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Sikhs hold protest against the hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana, assassin of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, in Srinagar on Wednesday. Photo: Amin War

Members of the Sikh community in the Valley gathered at a local gurdwara in the Lal Chowk area to protest the proposed hanging of Rajoana, which is scheduled for Saturday.

Protesters raised slogans against the Centre, alleging that those, who had “committed crimes” against the Sikh community in 1984 after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were now ruling the country.

“Those who committed crimes against the Sikhs in 1984 are roaming freely and ruling the country. While justice still eludes the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana is being expedited,” a protester said.

As soon as they tried to take out a procession, police personnel on duty detained at least a dozen Sikh protesters. Meanwhile, the police is keeping a close watch on the Sikh dominated areas to prevent such protests.

The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee, which is the main Sikh body in the Kashmir valley, has already demanded amnesty for Rajoana.

JAMMU: Various Sikh organisations today took to the streets in the Jammu region, demanding clemency for Balwant Singh Rajoana who has been awarded death penalty in the assassination case of former Chief Minister of Punjab Beant Singh.

The protesters blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway at Rajbagh for over an hour. They urged the President to grant clemency to Rajoana who was awaiting execution on March 31 as per the orders of the Chandigarh Sessions Court.

There were also reports of protests from various other places in the region.