CHANDIGARH-Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has reiterated that his government will pursue every legal and constitutional avenue to secure the release of Bandi Singhs, asserting that the long-pending issue must not remain unresolved indefinitely. He stated that the government had assured the Centre and the Governor that law and order would be maintained if Jagtar Singh Hawara was granted parole to meet his ailing mother, but the Centre had still not approved it.
The Chief Minister also shared that he would take up the parole cases of Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh, while urging Sikh organisations to keep their struggle peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Today, an important meeting was held with representatives of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. During the meeting, we held detailed discussions on their demands and assured them that our government is making continuous and sincere efforts to secure the early release of the Bandi Singhs. We are working with full urgency towards a meaningful resolution of this issue, and we hope that positive results will emerge soon.”
During a meeting with representatives of Sikh organisations, farmers’ unions and other groups, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The government is ready to extend all possible assistance in this matter within the framework of the law. The long-pending matter concerning Bandi Singhs must not be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. The AAP Government’s intentions and commitment are absolutely clear, and we stand firmly in support of justice.”
The Chief Minister further stated, “I am ready to extend every possible assistance within my powers, and the state government will never become an obstacle in this matter.” He assured the delegation, comprising Sant Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, Gurdeep Singh from Bathinda, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Gursewak Singh Kahaneke, Baba Bhupinder Singh, farmer leaders Boota Singh Burjgil and Nirbhai Singh Dhudike, among others, “The state government is committed to ensuring law and order during Jagtar Singh Hawara’s parole.”
Speaking on the issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “The Punjab Government has already assured the Central Government and the Governor of Punjab that law and order will be maintained in the state if Hawara is granted parole to meet his ailing mother.”
The Chief Minister expressed regret that parole had not been granted despite the assurances given by the Punjab Government, adding, “The matter now rests with the Central Government. The Punjab Government will take responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state. We have also given an assurance to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard, but the Central Government has still not granted parole.”
Addressing the Sikh organisations, he emphasised, “Even if Jagtar Singh Hawara is granted parole for only a few days, it should serve as an example of how peace and harmony can be maintained in the state.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This can pave the way for the release of other Bandi Singhs as well.” He urged Sikh organisations to ensure that their struggle for the release of Bandi Singhs remained peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
He added, “Certain groups sometimes deliberately resort to disruptive activities in an attempt to derail such movements and defame the image of the Sikhs globally.” On the issue of parole for Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara, who are lodged in Burail Jail, the Chief Minister clarified, “The matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Administration.”
The Chief Minister further stated, “I will take up this issue with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh.” He asked Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, who was present at the meeting, to examine each case from a legal perspective so that an amicable solution could be explored. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the committee, “The AAP Government is committed to pursuing every appropriate, lawful and constitutional avenue to ensure a suitable and speedy resolution of the matter.”
The Chief Minister emphasised, “The government will take all possible legal and constitutional steps to seek the release of Bandi Singhs languishing in jails, as this involves matters of justice, humanity and the rights of individuals who have already undergone prolonged periods of incarceration. The government will approach the matter with sensitivity, responsibility and a clear commitment to justice, while fully respecting the constitutional and legal framework.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically asserted, “The AAP government will not shy away from taking difficult but necessary steps when it comes to securing justice through lawful means.”
Those present at the meeting included Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs, Alok Shekhar, Special Director General of Police (DGP), Law and Order, PK Sinha, Principal Secretary, Jails, Bhawna Garg, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Kumar Amit, and others.