SRI FATEHGARH SAHIB: The Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, today paid a special visit to the home of Bandi Singh Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara in village Hawara, where he met with Hawara’s elderly mother, Bibi Narinder Kaur, and inquired about her health.
On this occasion, Jathedar Gargajj asked the Government of India to grant temporary parole to Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, so that he may meet his aged mother in keeping with the principles of human rights and humanitarian values.
Speaking to the media, Jathedar Gargajj said that every child is like the heartbeat of their mother, and when a child suffers, it is the mother who feels the greatest pain.
He noted that Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara has been incarcerated for a long period, while his mother’s health has significantly deteriorated. According to the family, her memory has also weakened considerably. At such a time, he stressed, it is essential for the government to take a fair approach and facilitate the long-awaited reunion between Bibi Narinder Kaur and her son.
Jathedar Gargajj further said that any applications submitted by Bhai Hawara’s family seeking temporary parole must be approved without delay, as this is purely a matter of human rights.
He added that today, when the entire nation is observing the 350th martyrdom Saka anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadar—who laid down his life for human rights and religious freedom—it is imperative that the rights of his Sikhs are safeguarded. Therefore, the government should urgently consider granting temporary parole to Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara.
Quoting from history, Jathedar Gargajj reminded that after the demise of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, his son Maharaja Duleep Singh was taken away by the British. Yet, even the British—despite being foreign rulers—recognized human values and later arranged a reunion between Maharani Jind Kaur and Maharaja Duleep Singh, first in Calcutta and later in London, where they lived together. If even foreign rulers could acknowledge such humanitarian concerns, he said, then in today’s times it is the duty of our own government to ensure that Bibi Narinder Kaur is able to meet her son under her right to family and human dignity.
“Now, when Bibi Narinder Kaur wishes to meet her son Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, the government must take this request seriously and make arrangements for their reunion at the earliest, ” the Jathedar concluded.