Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah lauds contribution of Sikhs, Badal seeks justice

SRI ANADPUR SAHIB: The senior BJP leaders Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP national President Amit Shah today paid obeisance at takht Kesgarh Sahib. Bpth the leaders lauded the services of Sikh community for the country while speaking at the function held here to celebrate 350th foundation of holy city Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of Khalsa.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Vijay Kumar Sampla, Baba Ram Dev, Chhatisgarh Governor Balramji Dass Tandon and Harsimrat Kaur Badal were among the other dignitaries who attended the function.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM and SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal accorded warm welcome to BJP leaders and sought their attention towards long standing demands of Sikhs including justice for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Rajnath Singh expressed his concern over drug menace in Punjab and he urged the Punjab government to take effective steps to curb the menace. He said that people’s movement would be required to eliminate drugs from the country. Interestingly, Badal this time refrained from asking the Union Home Minsiter to strengthen vigil at international border with Pakistan to stop smuggling of drugs. Badal had earlier many times blamed the flow of drugs from across the border for drug menace in Punjab.
As soon as Rajnath Singh stood to address the function, a large section of Sikh audience raised the slogans to release the Sikh prisoners detained in various ajils in the country. Rajnath Singh however didnt make any comment on the issue. It is recalled Punjab Government had recently shifted a death convict Davinderpal Singh Bhullar from Delhi to Amritsar jail. It is long standing demand of Sikhs.
Rajnath Singh while expressing his concern over drug menace in Punjab urged the Punjab government to take effective steps to curb the menace. Interestingly, Badal this time refrained from asking the Union Home Minister to strengthen vigil at international border with Pakistan to stop smuggling of drugs. Badal had earlier many times blamed the flow of drugs from across the border for drug menace in Punjab.
Rajnath Singh said that Sikhs had saved the culture of country and it is necessary for international community to understand the credentials of Sikhs. He said Sikhs were patriotic and secular community. He said that there was no parallel example in any other community to the sacrifice of family made by Guru Tej Bahadur ji and Guru Gobind Singh ji. He said that India was home for Sikhs and other communities. He said that 72 sects of Muslims live peacefully in India which is not seen even in Muslim countries.
Amit Shah said that he was blessed to visit the birth place of Khalsa. He said that Sikh Gurus had made biggest sacrifice for the protection of Hindu Community. He said that Hindus were under debt of Sikh community.
Badal said that Sri Anandpur Sahib was founded by Guru Teg Bahadur ji and this place is not a town but a thought in itself. He said that Anandpur Sahib was symbol of secularism and Communal harmony. He refuted the criticism that SAD was adopting communal means and taking political advantage of programmes like Darshan Didar Yatra. He said that SAD was secular party and it respects all religions. He said that representatives of all religions were invited for the foundation day celebrations.
Sukhbir Badal sad that Sikhs had major role in the nation building. He said that it was unfortunate that the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots have not got justice. He urged the Union Home Minister to look into the grievances.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and high priests (jathedars) of other four Sikh takhts, SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Manjit Singh GK were also present.