AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has appealed to Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib to issue orders on Bhai Rajoana's petition.
In the meeting of the In-House Committee held today at the office of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee under the leadership of Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, the issue of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, reduction of Punjab's representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board and the celebration of the 650th birth centenary of Bhagat Ravidas Ji, along with issues related to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Gurdwara Sahibs were discussed.
In a press statement issued, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami told about the decisions of the Interim Committee that a petition was filed by the SGPC 14 years ago on the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to commute the death sentence of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, but the Central Government has always adopted a stubborn attitude in this regard. Such an approach of the government, while disrespecting Sikh sentiments, also reflects its thinking towards minorities. He said that now Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana is repeatedly asking the SGPC to withdraw his appeal, but the SGPC had made this appeal as per the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Therefore, today's Interim Committee, after deliberation, has requested Sri Akal Takht Sahib for appropriate orders regarding the appeal of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana.
He said that the SGPC will abide by whatever order comes from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Advocate Dhami said that the Interim Committee has also expressed concern about the continuous discrimination being done to Punjab by the Central Government regarding the arrangements of Bhakra Beas Management Board.
Advocate Dhami said that this is another big setback to the rights and interests of Punjab.
He said that the Center is adopting wrong methods to grab the river water of Punjab, on which the first right belongs to the people of Punjab.
The Interim Committee has asked the Central Government not to try to implement any such rule, which is against the rights of Punjabis.
Advocate Dhami also informed that approval has been given to form a sub-committee to prepare a program for celebrating the 650th birth centenary of Bhagat Ravidas Ji. This sub-committee will prepare the outline of the events to be held in collaboration with various organizations and representatives of the community related to Bhagat Ravidas Ji. He said that similarly, discussions were held regarding the programs for the centenary of the 400th foundation day of Sri Kiratpur Sahib being celebrated from April 29 to May 1, 2026.