SGPC weighs in on SYL row, says no one will be allowed to loot Punjab’s water

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the SGPC president said that no coercive action will be tolerated on the water issue of Punjab. He said that after the recent instruction given by the Supreme Court to the Centre and Punjab government regarding the survey of SYL, it is the duty of the Punjab government to represent the rights and interests of the state and clearly register its strong stand against SYL.

He said that the current situation right now has arisen only because the Punjab government did not present the stand of the state in a correct manner in court. Dhami said that the executive committee has clearly resolved that if any injustice is done on the issue of water, then the SGPC will stand firmly in favour of Punjab.

“The SGPC assures the people of Punjab and the political, social, farmers and religious organisations standing in opposition to SYL that the Sikh body will play the leading role wherever needed. Punjab is already grappling with a serious problem due to the limited availability of canal water and extraction of groundwater through tube wells.

Most of the water from Punjab’s share is being given to the states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi in violation of the international riparian law. In return, no compensation has ever been given to Punjab,” said Dhami. The SGPC president also appealed to the Central government to ensure that ‘no injustice is done to Punjab in view of concerns related to water.’

Among other resolutions passed during Thursday’s meeting was one that demanded that the Punjab government restore red cards of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots living in Ludhiana, which had been cancelled by the last government.

Dhami also stated that during Thursday’s meeting they had also decided to install a filter system with modern technology to keep the water of Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib lake in Tarn Taran clean.

He added that the executive committee has also expressed its commitment to continue its struggle for release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners).

He said that the SGPC had organized a signature campaign for the release of Bandi Singhs, which around 26 lakh people had signed. The same would be sent to the President of India through the Governor of Punjab.

General house for election of SGPC president, office-bearers on November 8

A general house session for the annual election of the SGPC president, senior vice-president, junior vice-president, general secretary and the members of the executive committee will be held on November 8. This general meeting will be held from 1 pm at Teja Singh Samundri Hall located at the SGPC office.