Bathinda (November 20, 2009): Members of the Khalsa Action Committee (KAC), Sant Samaj and other Sikh organisations, led by KAC convener Bhai Mohkam Singh, today held a dharna outside the mini secretariat here, seeking release of Baba Hardip Singh Mehraj (Leader of Dharam Prachar Committee of Panch Pardhnai Dal), Ranjit Singh, Ghudar Singh Mehraj and withdrawal of the case registered against them. Their other demands included the imposition of ban on “naam charcha” of the Dera in the state, and presentation of challan against the Dera head in a court.
Bathinda (November 20, 2009): Members of the Khalsa Action Committee (KAC), Sant Samaj and other Sikh organisations, led by KAC convener Bhai Mohkam Singh, today held a dharna outside the mini secretariat here, seeking release of Baba Hardip Singh Mehraj (Leader of Dharam Prachar Committee of Panch Pardhnai Dal), Ranjit Singh, Ghudar Singh Mehraj and withdrawal of the case registered against them. Their other demands included the imposition of ban on “naam charcha” of the Dera in the state, and presentation of challan against the Dera head in a court.
Among others who were present at the dharna included former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Jasbir Singh Khalsa, leader of Sant Samaj Sant Baljit Singh Daduwal Wale and spokesman of KAC Gurdeep Singh. They gave a deadline to the government for the release of the leaders, arrested in connection with the Sikh-Dera Sacha Sauda conflict that allegedly took place on October 4 at Mehraj village of this district, by December 6. If the government fails to do so, they have threatened to take out an “insaaf (justice)” march on December 7 from here to the native village of Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal.
Mohkam Singh said the protest march would be held in a peaceful manner by raising of slogans and “jaikaras”. The activists would also gherao the “kothi” of the CM, at his native Badal village, about 35 km from here.
He called upon the Sikhs to start preparations for mobilising people to participate in the march in order to send out a message to the CM that he should not confront with the Sikh Panth by extending support to the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Hinting at the Dera head, he said Badal had become friendly with the “enemies” of the Sikh Panth.
A deputation of the KAC, Sant Samaj, and other Sikh organisations will also meet the CM before December 6 for the release of the arrested Sikh leaders. They will also demand the release of president of the SAD (Panch Pardhanai) Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and others arrested under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 which, after ammendments of December 2008, is considered to be masked revival of black laws like TADA and POTA.