Will turn ‘Save Bhullar’ into a mass movement,says SGPC

Assured of getting support from various Sikh bodies,Nihang organisations and Panthic institutions,Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has vowed to turn the “Save Bhullar” campaign into a mass movement. It has directed all village panchayats in the state to pass resolutions and send those to the President,seeking pardon for Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar — a Sikh militant on death row.

On Tuesday,the SGPC had held a marathon meeting with Sikh organisations like radical Damdami Taksal,Dal Khalsa,Khalsa Action Committee and moderate Nihang outfits and Sikh Students Federations in this regard. During the meeting,which was held at its headquarters Teja Singh Samundari Hall at the Golden Temple complex,SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar had said they may approach the National Human Rights Commission and the International Court of Justice under the United Nations,if the need arises.

Makkar and other Sikh leaders alleged that the Centre was adopting double standards when it came to taking a decision on the mercy plea and the Sikhs being a minority,were being discriminated against. “I have directed all gurdwaras in the state to hold Akhand Path for Bhullar’s well being,” he said. One such Path will be arranged at Akal Takht on June 9 and its bhog on June 11. Makkar also directed all Sikh Sangat to reach Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali on June 20. They will visit Governor Punjab Shivraj Patil and hand him over a memorandum,seeking clemency for Bhullar. The SGPC reiterated that a five-member committee has already started consultations with top Supreme Court lawyers to file a review petition for Bhullar’s clemency. The SGPC will not only incur all expenses on Bhullar’s pardon but also take care of his family,he added.