Published 18:04 IST, September 30th 2019
Sikh organisation welcomes Government's decision to release prisoners
Sikhs of America, an American organisation has welcomed the Government’s decision to release Sikh prisoners. The Govt has decided to release eight prisoners
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Sikhs of America, a leading American organisation has welcomed the Government’s decision to release Sikh prisoners. The move is aimed at assuaging the sentiments of the community and blocking Pakistan’s efforts to spread a separatist movement in Punjab. Jesse Singh, chairman of Sikhs of America thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the move. “When we met Prime Minister in Houston, he reminded us that one of our demands from 2014 memorandum will soon be answered,” Jesse said.
Government to release eight prisoners
The Government has decided to release eight prisoners who are lodged in different jails across the country for committing crimes during the Militancy period in Punjab.
Death Sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana commuted
The President of Sikhs in America, Kanwaljit Singh Soni has thanked the Home Ministry for commuting the death sentence of another prisoner, Balwant Singh Rajoana. Rajoana was convicted for the assassination of former Chief Minister of Punjab Beant Singh.
Ranveet Singh Bittu reacts to the development
Meanwhile, Ranveet Singh Bittu, Congress MP and the grandson of Beant Singh has reacted to the development regarding the sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana.
Ravneet Bittu, Congress MP and grandson of former Punjab CM Beant Singh: I have heard reports that death sentence of BL Rajoana (convict in Beant Singh's assassination case) has been commuted to life term. This decision by Centre is shocking, it will be a black day if it is true. pic.twitter.com/JblxmvnnjC
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2019
Government accepts Punjab CM’s request
The Indian Government also accepted Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh's proposal to release TADA prisoners, as a humanitarian gesture, to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Chief Minister @capt_amarinder Singh thanks Union Home Minister @AmitShah for accepting state’s plea to release TADA prisoners on 550th Prakash Purb Of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. CM also announces state govt’s decision to release 550 prisoners as humanitarian gesture on historic occasion
— CMO Punjab (@CMOPb) September 29, 2019
Government scraps blacklist
Earlier, the Government had scrapped the 35-year-old blacklist that prevented close to 312 members of the Sikh community from holding passports and travelling outside the country for their alleged role during the Khalistan movement in Punjab.
(With inputs from ANI)
15:43 IST, September 30th 2019