SAD (A), other Sikh Orgs decide to boycott Khadoor Sahib by-poll

CHANDIGARH —To protest against the Punjab government’s move of framing Sikh leaders including Jathedars of Sikh Takhts into false cases of sedition, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and other Panthik groups who played vital role in organizing Sarbat Khalsa have decided to boycott the Khadoor Sahib by-poll slated for Feb 13. The decision has been taken in light of advice given by Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Bhai Baljit Singh Duduwal. The decision was announced in a meeting of Sarbat Khalsa coordination committee held here on Sunday which was presided over by SAD (A) chief Simranjit Singh Mann. In a press conference here, representatives of the coordination committee including Gurnam Singh Sidhu, Jaswant Singh Mann, Prof. Mohinderpal Singh, Baba Pardeep Singh Chandpur, Bahadar Singh Rahon and Harbhajan Singh Kashmiri said that rulers of Punjab had crossed all limits of violation of democratic ethos by keeping the Panthik leaders behind bars.
They alleged that after pressing political dissent, the Punjab government was claiming to conduct fair and free election which is a big lie. “Akal Takht acting Jathedar Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala, Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal and Sikh leaders including Bhai Mohkam Singh, Jaskaran Singh Kahan Singh Wala, Wassan Singh Jaffarwal, Bhai Satnam Singh Manawa and Bhupinder Singh Cheema have been jailed charging them for sedition illegitimately. Even, they are deprived of the right to be released on bail,” they said.“In such atmosphere, how can we contest the bypoll of Khadoor Sahib. To protest against violation of our democratic rights, we have resolved not to contest the bypoll”, they added.
Sant Bhindranwale’s birth anniversary on Feb 12
The Sikh leaders revealed that birth anniversary of Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale will be celebrated on Feb 12 at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. In addition, human chain will be made from Faridkot to Bargadi village in protest against beadbi of Guru Granth Sahib. Next meeting of Panthik organizations has been called at Ludhiana to chalk out future course of struggle.