Chandigarh:
With Sikh spiritual leaders up in arms and a proposed BJP-SAD alliance gearing as much as eat into its vote base throughout the neighborhood, the Aam Aadmi Get together-led Punjab authorities has made a U-turn on pro-Khalistan extremist Jagtar Singh Hawara’s parole software — a transfer seen because the get together’s outreach months forward of the meeting polls.
In March 2026, the Punjab authorities had written to the Tihar Jail authorities recommending the rejection of the parole software of Hawara, convicted of assassinating former chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. Come August, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, to grant him 10 days’ parole.
In a letter to the Governor, Mann mentioned, “Owing to her outdated age, the mom of Jagtar Singh Hawara is dealing with age-related well being points. This has resulted in deterioration of her well being, which is a serious reason for concern for everybody.”
“It’s crucial due to the deteriorating well being situation of his mom,” he insisted, in response to a authorities assertion.
Additionally learn: “Recording Vindicates Bhagwant Mann”: AAP As Akal Takh Standoff Escalates
Only a few months earlier, the Punjab authorities had really helpful not releasing Hawara, citing 25 felony circumstances towards him.
Two debilitating controversies might have compelled the AAP authorities’s fingers — the Chief Minister’s alleged controversial video and the anti-sacrilege laws. Each points have strained the federal government’s equation with the Akal Takht, the very best Sikh physique.
The federal government’s transfer would possibly assist Bhagwant Mann achieve traction and sympathy within the panthic belt.
One other attainable cause is the proposed alliance between the BJP and SAD. If the 2 events be a part of fingers and enchantment to religion-based voters, they might erode Mann’s assist in the neighborhood.
The choice on granting parole rests with the Chandigarh and Delhi administrations, each of that are ruled by the BJP. Therefore, by interesting to the Governor, Mann has put the get together in a spot.
Additionally learn: Akal Takht Asks Sikh MLAs, Ministers To Shun Bhagwant Mann In Punjab Assembly
Who’s Jagtar Singh Hawara?
Hawara is a member of Babbar Khalsa, a banned terrorist organisation. He was convicted as a conspirator within the assassination of Beant Singh.
17 folks died together with Beant Singh within the blast.
He was handed the loss of life penalty in 2007. In 2010, the Punjab and Haryana Excessive Court docket commuted the loss of life penalty to life imprisonment.
He has appealed towards the decision within the Supreme Court docket, the place the case is pending.
