Amritsar-Shiromani Akali Dal Punr-Surjeet General Secretary S. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, in a written press statement, announced that on Tuesday, July 14, five Panthic organizations will jointly submit memorandums across Punjab to the Union Home Minister through the respective Deputy Commissioners.
The memorandum will seek action on the following three key issues Release of Punjab 95: The film based on the life and struggle of Shaheed S. Jaswant Singh Khalra should be released in cinemas under its original title, Punjab 95, without any censorship cuts.
Action in the Khalra Murder Case: DSP Jaspal Singh, a convicted accused in the murder case of S. Jaswant Singh Khalra, has reportedly remained absconding after being released from jail. Allegations have also been made that the Punjab Government had recommended remission of his sentence. The memorandum demands a thorough investigation into the matter, the immediate arrest and return of the convicted accused to prison, and action against those who recommended remission of his sentence.
Formation of a Punjab Truth, Accountability & Reconciliation Commission: As representatives of the Sikh community, the organizations strongly urge the Government of India to establish a Punjab Truth, Accountability & Reconciliation Commission to investigate the events that took place from the beginning of the Dharam Yudh Morcha in 1982 until the disappearance of S. Jaswant Singh Khalra in 1995. The commission should prepare a fact-based report and present its findings before the public.
S. Wadala stated that these three issues are of great importance under the present circumstances. He said that an impartial commission is necessary because the wounds of the past cannot heal unless the causes of those events and the responsibility of those involved are brought before the people.
The memorandum will be submitted jointly by Shiromani Akali Dal (Punr-Surjeet) along with United Akali Dal, International Panthic Dal, Begampura Khalsa Raj Party, and the Panthic Azad Group.