Amritsar: Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has questioned the repeated parole granted to Dera Sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is serving a sentence in cases including rape and murder, alleging that governments are applying “double standards” towards Sikhs.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has also strongly objected to the repeated temporary releases.
Giani Gargaj said the Khalsa Panth has been campaigning for the release of Bandi Singhs who have completed their sentences, and has particularly sought parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara so that he can meet his elderly mother.
He questioned why parole or release was being repeatedly granted to the Dera Sirsa chief while prisoners who have spent decades in jail are not being given similar consideration.
The Jathedar said governments should abandon what he described as a discriminatory approach and give priority to humanitarian considerations. He specifically appealed for Hawara to be granted parole to meet his mother.
He added that the demand was not limited to the Sikh community and said organisations concerned with humanitarian issues also supported the call for parole.
