Need for united struggle to save Punjab and panth: Chandumajra

Patiala: Prem Singh Chandumajra, Shiromani Akali Dal (Punarsurjit) member and former MP, on Wednesday said all Punjabis must come together for a united struggle to pull Punjab and the Sikh community out of the deep crises they were facing.Addressing the mediapersons here, Chandumajra said people would have to raise a united voice to make both the central and state govts aware of the issues and rights concerning Punjab.He said all panthic groups and organisations should build consensus to remove doubts and controversies regarding the ‘Jagat Jyoti Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment Act 2026)'.He alleged that the law framed by the state govt was proving divisive for the Sikh community and was creating internal conflict among the Sikhs.Chandumajra further said that several important Sikh issues had remained unresolved for a long time, including parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara to meet his elderly mother, the demand to commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana into life imprisonment, the release of Sikh prisoners who had completed their sentences, elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), rising unemployment among youth, 10% reservation in central govt jobs for Punjab as a border state, a special economic package for the state, and issues related to agriculture.He informed that memorandums regarding these issues would be submitted to district authorities across Punjab on June 1 and 2. Demands will also be raised for the reopening of trade through the Attari-Wagah border, waiver of farmers' loans from cooperative banks, and a legal guarantee for govt procurement of 23 crops, Chandumajra added.Thereafter, a high-level delegation will meet the Punjab governor and the Union home minister to apprise them of the issues concerning Punjab and the Sikh community, said Chandumajra.He also appealed to all Akali parties and panthic organisations in Punjab to join the campaign.MSID:: 131353021 413 |Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026