Chandigarh:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government has significantly reversed its stance on the parole application of Jagtar Singh Hawara, a pro-Khalistan extremist, amid growing pressure from Sikh religious leaders and the potential electoral threat posed by a proposed BJP-SAD alliance. This policy shift is widely interpreted as a strategic outreach by the party in the months leading up to the upcoming assembly polls.
Earlier in March, the Punjab administration had communicated with Tihar Jail authorities, recommending the denial of parole for Hawara, who was convicted for his involvement in the 1995 assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh. However, by August, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann formally requested Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to grant Hawara a 10-day parole.
In his letter to the Governor, Mann stated, “Due to her advanced age, Jagtar Singh Hawara’s mother is experiencing age-related health complications. This has led to a deterioration of her health, which is a significant concern for all involved.”
“It is imperative because of the deteriorating health condition of his mother,” he emphasized, asserting the necessity of parole.
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Just a few months prior, the Punjab government had explicitly advised against Hawara’s release, citing his involvement in 25 criminal cases.
This abrupt change in policy appears to be a reaction to two significant and detrimental controversies: an alleged contentious video involving the Chief Minister and issues surrounding the anti-sacrilege legislation. Both incidents have strained the government’s relationship with the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal authority of the Sikhs.
Also read: ‘Mask Used To Create Fake Footage’: Bhagwant Mann On Video Row
Last month, the Akal Takht issued a directive instructing all Sikh MLAs and Cabinet ministers to maintain distance from Mann during the Punjab Assembly session. This directive followed the rejection by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj of the Punjab government’s proposed amendments to the anti-sacrilege legislation, which he deemed “unsatisfactory.” He accused the state government of reneging on assurances made by Sikh MLAs and ministers during their appearance before the body on June 29.
The government’s recent action may potentially enhance Bhagwant Mann’s standing and garner sympathy within the panthic community.
Another contributing factor to this shift could be the prospective alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Should these two parties collaborate and successfully appeal to religiously aligned voters, they could significantly diminish Mann’s support base within the Sikh community.
The ultimate authority for granting parole lies with the Chandigarh and Delhi administrations, both of which are under BJP governance. By appealing to the Governor, Mann has effectively placed the BJP in a challenging political position.
Also read: Akal Takht Asks Sikh MLAs, Ministers To Shun Bhagwant Mann In Punjab Assembly
Who is Jagtar Singh Hawara?
Hawara is a recognized member of Babbar Khalsa, a proscribed terrorist organization. He was convicted as a conspirator in the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh.
The blast that killed Beant Singh also resulted in the deaths of 17 other individuals.
Initially sentenced to death in 2007, his penalty was commuted to life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2010.
