SGPC Budget Session: Key resolutions passed on Sikhs and Punjab

Published on: 30 Mar 2024 at 09:33 AM

Published by: thefactnews

The Fact News Service

Amritsar, March 30

Several important resolutions regarding Sikh and Punjab issues were passed during the general house budget session of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Resolutions presented by the SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami included issues of release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), demand for the arrest of Dera Sirsa head Gurmeet Ram Rahim and his follower Honeypreet in Bargari sacrilege case of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, opposition to government interference in the management of Gurdwara Sahibs, and demanding attention to preservation of Sikh heritage in Pakistan.

In a resolution passed regarding Bandi Singhs, it was said that the government’s ignorance towards the release of Sikhs detained in jails for three decades is a big discrimination against the community in their own country. Injustice is being done to the Sikh prisoners by ignoring their human rights because they have served double the punishments than life imprisonment within the scope of the Constitution.

In this resolution, the Centre government’s negative attitude towards the high-level five-member committee formed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib was also termed as a non-serious approach towards the supremacy and dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Through the resolution, the Centre government was urged to respect Sri Akal Takht Sahib and open dialogue through the five-member committee on the issue of Bandi Singhs and not force the Sikh community to walk on the path of struggle.

A resolution demanded the immediate arrest of Dera Sirsa head rape and murder convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim and his follower Honeypreet in the sacrilege case of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari in 2015.

Through the resolution, an appeal was made to the people of Punjab especially the youth to organize against the deadly phenomenon of drugs and take responsibility for stopping it.

The general house session, in a resolution, asked the governments to fulfill their responsibilities to prevent organized conspiracy and hate propaganda against Sikhs on social media platforms. It was said that some people are continuously running false propaganda against Sikhs.

Social media is being used as a weapon against the community to spread hatred and discord among communities but governments are watching silently. To ensure respect for all religions in the country, the Centre government was asked to look into such social media accounts and take strict action. Through this resolution, the Sikh community was also appealed that while making any comments on religious and community matters on social media, it must be kept in mind that the expression does not hurt the Sikh history, principles, Rehat Maryada (code of conduct) and also that the sentiments of anyone are not hurt.