New Delhi - President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) in a letter written to the chief minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, urged the immediate withdrawal of the President's police medal for gallantry conferred upon former SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu and former DSP Jaspal Singh, who were implicated and convicted in the abduction, torture, and murder of Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra.
In a joint letter, written by dsgmc president Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdip Singh Kahlon stated that it is deeply disturbing that officers convicted in one of the most tragic and widely condemned human rights violations in the nation history continue to retain such prestigious national honours.
They asserted that allowing these gallantry medals to remain with the convicted officers undermines the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
While paying rich tribute to Shaheed Sardar Jaswant Singh Khalra, DSGMC described him as a fearless human rights defender who dedicated his life to exposing the truth and upholding the dignity of countless innocent victims. They said that Khalra's sacrifice continues to inspire people across the world in the struggle for justice and human rights.
Kalka and Kahlon also emphasized that honouring individuals who were found guilty in such a heinous crime is not only an insult to the memory of Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra but also deeply hurts the sentiments of the sikh community and all those who believe in justice and human dignity.
Appealing to the Punjab Chief Minister to take immediate action, Kalka said that justice must not only be delivered but must also seen be seen to prevail. He urged the Punjab Government to recommend the withdrawal of the President's Police Medals awarded to the convicted officers, stating that such honours have no place in a democratic society that values human rights, justice, and accountability.
He expressed confidence that the Punjab Government would act with moral courage and uphold the principles of justice by ensuring that these honours are withdrawn without further delay.