Sikh Political Issues Dominate Maghi Conferences in Muktsar
Parallel conferences held in Muktsar during the Maghi festival focused sharply on Sikh-centric political matters. Leaders from Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De raised pressing concerns about missing saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib, the prolonged incarceration of MP Amritpal Singh, and what they described as ongoing injustice towards the Sikh community.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Conference Highlights
At the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) conference, party president and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann launched a strong attack regarding the disappearance of 328 saroops. He questioned who bore responsibility for this serious issue and why no concrete action had been taken over the years. Mann alleged that those accountable had been shielded from consequences and demanded clear answers from the concerned authorities.
Mann referenced the recent protest by his son, Iman Singh Mann, who visited the Golden Temple last week carrying bangles. This symbolic gesture questioned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and reflected public anger over the failure to trace the missing saroops. Mann urged party workers to intensify their mobilization efforts on issues affecting Punjab and the Sikh community.
Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Conference Focus
The political conference of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De concentrated on securing the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh from Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Addressing the gathering, Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Amritpal Singh's father, Tarsem Singh, alleged continued discrimination against Sikhs. They pointed out that Amritpal Singh has been incarcerated for a prolonged period and was not permitted to attend Parliament sessions despite being elected with a significant mandate.
Speakers also raised the issue of Bandi Singhs, alleging that several prisoners who had completed their jail terms were still not being released. They accused the central government of adopting a discriminatory approach towards Sikh issues, highlighting what they see as systemic neglect.
Other Leaders Voice Concerns
Several other leaders addressed the conference, including social activist Lakha Sidhana and Navdeep Singh from Ambala. Navdeep Singh gained prominence during the farmers' agitation for stopping a water cannon. Youth leader Navjot Kaur Lambi also spoke, urging the central government to resolve long-pending Sikh issues. The collective message from the conferences underscored a growing frustration and a call for immediate action on these critical matters.
