CHANDIGARH-Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asserted that the long-pending issue of Bandi Sikhs languishing in jails cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely, assuring the four-member committee constituted by the Bandi Singh Insaaf Morcha that the state government will take all possible legal and constitutional steps for an early resolution. During his meeting with the committee, comprising Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, Pal Singh France and Balwinder Pal Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that legitimate steps which should have been taken years ago but were not taken will now be pursued on priority, reiterating that the Punjab Government stands firmly with justice.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I had an important meeting with the four-member committee formed by the Bandi Singhs Insaf Morcha, comprising S. Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, S. Pal Singh France and S. Balwinder Pal Singh. I listened carefully to the views and appeal of the committee members regarding the release of the Bandi Singhs. I assured the committee that the Punjab Government is committed to finding an appropriate solution to this issue at the earliest. The Punjab Government will take on priority the legitimate and legal steps that previous governments failed to take for years, so that this matter can be resolved at the earliest. The Punjab Government has always stood firmly with justice. Inquilab Zindabad.”
During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I listened carefully to their views and appeal regarding the release of Bandi Sikhs. The issue of Sikh prisoners languishing in various jails across the country, even after completion of their sentences, cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. It is an emotive and sensitive issue for everyone. I have assured the committee that the Punjab Government is committed to pursuing every legitimate, legal and constitutional avenue available to facilitate an appropriate and early resolution of this matter.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “For years, several legitimate steps pertaining to this issue remained pending despite successive governments being in a position to take them. The steps which should have been taken years ago but were not taken will now be pursued on priority.”
He said, “We will take these steps strictly within the framework of the Constitution and the law. This issue involves matters of justice, humanity and the rights of individuals who have already undergone prolonged periods of incarceration.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed, “The Punjab Government will approach this matter with sensitivity and responsibility, while fully respecting the constitutional and legal framework. We will make every possible effort within the law and the Constitution to find a meaningful and expeditious resolution to the issue of Bandi Sikhs.”
“My government will not shy away from taking difficult but necessary steps when it comes to securing justice through lawful means. The Punjab Government has always stood firmly with justice and will continue to work towards resolving every legitimate issue concerning the people of Punjab through democratic, constitutional and legal means, ” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.