The Dal Khalsa took exception to the statement made by Finance Minister Surinder Singla at Phillaur that the state government was contemplating the procedures and methods to save those cops who were involved in extrajudicial killings.

Addressing a press conference at Ludhiana on March 22, leaders of the organization Jaspal Singh Dhillon and Kanwar Pal Singh said these days the present Congress leaders and police officers were harping upon the extra-ordinary situation that existed during the period of turmoil which necessitated the “out of the box” means so as to save the skins of those involved in the extra-judicial killings. They pointed out that the state seems to have forgotten that 28 draconian laws were enacted to tackle the so-called extra-ordinary situation.

To appease a section of society and vested interests in the police hierarchy the state was going to make a mockery of the Constitution and justice system, said they. Taking a dig at the government the leaders further said at this rate the days were not far when laws would be enacted to shield corrupt bureaucrats and politicians.

“The state government can not challenge the rule of law or taper with the fundamental rights of the citizens. In case, they did, we will move the apex court challenging the state’s unconstitutional step”, said Mr Dhillon.

Reasserting the distinct identity of the Sikhs that for decades has been under threat from being suffocated and devoured by the Hindutva forces, the Dal Khalsa today wrote a letter to SGPC president urging him to take up this vexing issue with the Indian Prime Minister who is schedule to visit Amritsar tomorrow to inaugurate Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service. 

They said that Sikhs were sick and tired of various mischievous organizations and individuals who keep on provoking the Sikh people by questioning their independent religious identity. They said the recent statement by NCM deputy chairman H S Josh that “Sikhs are part of Hindu society” was nothing but absurd.

In their letter addressed to Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, they asked him to convey community’s anguish and dismay to Dr Manmohan Singh on such senseless utterances. “It is learnt that the SGPC was going to present robe of honour to Dr Manmohan Singh when the latter will come to pay obeisance at Darbar Sahib.

Apart from doing all goodwill gestures, you (Jathedar Makkar) must remind him for his government’s failure in resolving the problems Sikhs and Punjabis has been facing since last three decades, reads Dal Khalsa communication to Makkar.

Setting an agenda for Jathedar Makkar, they urged him to take a firm stand on this issue and call for a dismissal of Mr Josh from the NCM in spite of his U-turn. The leaders also urged him to ensure that a proper and transparent criteria be laid down by the government while nominating a Sikh member in the minority commission or any other constitutional post. The government must involve the SGPC in the selection process instead of hand picking their stooges, said both.

Feeling pride in their separate identity, they said like the formation of separate (Nanakshahi) calendar, the Sikhs need their own personal law, Anand Marriage Act and separate cremation grounds. These issues need urgent attention and it was the right time for Jathedar Makkar to press upon the Prime Minister for their implementation. From the last three decades Sikhs have been protesting against the insensibility of the successive governments for not making necessary amendments in the Constitution on the issue, said they.

Dal Khalsa leaders condemned the registration of a case under sedition against Simranjit Singh Mann, Harcharanjit Singh Dhami, Daljit Singh Bittu and others at Nakodar police station. They said by doing so the police was attempting to create fear psychosis in the minds of the people and to vitiate the political atmosphere.

They announced that their organization would hold a conference on March 26 at village Hariana (Hoshiarpur) to mark the day of unfurling of Sikh Flag by Baba Baghel Singh at Red Fort in 17th century. The convention was aimed to instill pride in young Sikhs of their traditions, history and heritage. The main speakers at the convention would be Gurtej Singh former IAS, Rajinder Singh of Khalsa Panchayat, Daljit Singh of Shiromani Khalsa Dal, S Narien Singh of Akal Federation besides Dal Khalsa leaders. Another senior activist Sarbjit Singh Ghuman was also present during the press conference.