Programme to be held at Longowal on August 20 to mark the death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal
Amritsar, August 11 (K.L. Jit Walia): The Shiromani Akali Dal Rejuvenated observed its first anniversary as an Ardas Diwas today. The entire leadership, under the guidance of Giani Harpreet Singh, offered prayers at Sri Akal Takht Sahib for the progress and well-being of the Panth, Punjab and the party, while also praying to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru and Bandi Chhor, for the release of the Bandi Singhs.
Speaking on the occasion, Giani Harpreet Singh said that the Akali Dal, which came into existence in 1920 as a regional party of the Panth, was rejuvenated on August 11 last year in accordance with the directions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said the party was working under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and according to Panthic sentiments.
He said the Ardas held on the first anniversary of the rejuvenated party was dedicated to the release of Bandi Singhs. According to him, several Sikh prisoners have remained incarcerated despite having served sentences far beyond the period prescribed for their convictions. He particularly referred to Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, and said the issue of the release of Bandi Singhs remained a matter of concern for the Sikh community.
Giani Harpreet Singh said that when governments were not listening to their demands, they had placed their appeal before Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib, seeking the release of the imprisoned Singhs so that they could return to the Panth and live freely.
He also announced that the organisation would actively participate in the programme announced by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on August 15.
Later, while addressing a meeting of party office-bearers at the party office, Giani Harpreet Singh thanked workers and leaders who had worked dedicatedly over the past year to strengthen the organisation. He urged them to continue working with greater commitment so that the Akali Dal, rejuvenated under the directions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, could regain its position as a popular organisation among the people.
The meeting also decided to organise a large programme at Longowal on August 20 to mark the death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Gobind Singh Longowal and other leaders of Sangrur district are holding continuous meetings in preparation for the programme and have urged party workers to work tirelessly.
A large number of senior leaders and workers, including Bibi Jagir Kaur, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Bhai Manjit Singh, Gobind Singh Longowal, Gurjit Singh Talwandi, Ajaypal Singh Mirankot, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad and several others, were present at the meeting.
The statement was issued to the press by Media In-charge Tejinder Singh Pannu. Several other party workers and leaders were also present.
KL JIT WALIA
