CHANDIGARH; 6th October 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday assured a delegation of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’, led by Gurpreet Singh Khalsa, that the state government will ensure a swift, transparent and in-depth investigation into the tragic Sri Anandpur Sahib incident, with an Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be constituted immediately and the strictest action ensured against those found responsible. The assurance came amid repeated representations by Sikh institutions seeking an SIT probe into the matter.

At the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also reiterated the government’s commitment to holding the long-pending Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) elections without further delay and to resolving all issues concerning the Sikh Panth through timely action and due legal process.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Held an important meeting in Chandigarh with Gurpreet Singh Khalsa Ji, leader of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’ currently underway in Batala. We held an open discussion on important issues concerning the Sikh Panth. We are fully committed to ensuring that the long-pending elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which have remained stalled for several years, are held at the earliest without any further delay. Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident that took place at Sri Anandpur Sahib, I assured that an SIT would be constituted immediately for an in-depth investigation into the matter. The investigation will be completed at the earliest, and the strictest possible action will be ensured against those responsible. Our government is committed to finding prompt and appropriate solutions to every issue concerning the Sikh Panth.”

Taking serious note of the concerns raised by the delegation regarding the case, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner. The law will take its course and no person, irrespective of position or influence, will be allowed to interfere with the process of justice.”

He said, “The constitution of the SIT will help expedite the investigation and ensure that all relevant aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.”

Assuring the delegation of strict action, the Chief Minister said, “After completion of the investigation, strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in accordance with law.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is extremely unfortunate that this heinous crime against humanity, especially against a woman, has taken place at the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Exemplary punishment will be ensured for the perpetrator of this crime.”

He further said, “Such offenders do not deserve leniency and they will be dealt with as per the law of the land by meting out the severest punishment permissible under law, so that it acts as a deterrent for others too.”

On the long-pending elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s seriousness and said, “There should be no unnecessary delay in holding the SGPC elections. All legitimate steps within the government’s jurisdiction will be pursued in this regard.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Sikh Panth has a rich and historic legacy, and issues concerning Sikh institutions and the wider community deserve to be addressed with sensitivity, seriousness and due respect for constitutional and legal processes.”

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*Punjab Govt To Take All Legal, Constitutional Steps For Release Of Bandi Sikhs Languishing In Jail: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Issue Of Bandi Sikhs Cannot Remain Unresolved Indefinitely: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Steps Which Should Have Been Taken Years Ago But Were Not Taken Will Now Be Pursued On Priority:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Govt Will Make Every Effort Within Law To Secure Justice: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH; 6th October 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asserted that the long-pending issue of Bandi Sikhs languishing in jails cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely, assuring the four-member committee constituted by the Bandi Singh Insaaf Morcha that the state government will take all possible legal and constitutional steps for an early resolution. During his meeting with the committee, comprising Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, Pal Singh France and Balwinder Pal Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that legitimate steps which should have been taken years ago but were not taken will now be pursued on priority, reiterating that the Punjab Government stands firmly with justice.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I had an important meeting with the four-member committee formed by the Bandi Singhs Insaf Morcha, comprising S. Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, S. Pal Singh France and S. Balwinder Pal Singh. I listened carefully to the views and appeal of the committee members regarding the release of the Bandi Singhs. I assured the committee that the Punjab Government is committed to finding an appropriate solution to this issue at the earliest. The Punjab Government will take on priority the legitimate and legal steps that previous governments failed to take for years, so that this matter can be resolved at the earliest. The Punjab Government has always stood firmly with justice. Inquilab Zindabad.”

During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I listened carefully to their views and appeal regarding the release of Bandi Sikhs. The issue of Sikh prisoners languishing in various jails across the country, even after completion of their sentences, cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. It is an emotive and sensitive issue for everyone. I have assured the committee that the Punjab Government is committed to pursuing every legitimate, legal and constitutional avenue available to facilitate an appropriate and early resolution of this matter.”

The Chief Minister pointed out, “For years, several legitimate steps pertaining to this issue remained pending despite successive governments being in a position to take them. The steps which should have been taken years ago but were not taken will now be pursued on priority.”

He said, “We will take these steps strictly within the framework of the Constitution and the law. This issue involves matters of justice, humanity and the rights of individuals who have already undergone prolonged periods of incarceration.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed, “The Punjab Government will approach this matter with sensitivity and responsibility, while fully respecting the constitutional and legal framework. We will make every possible effort within the law and the Constitution to find a meaningful and expeditious resolution to the issue of Bandi Sikhs.”

“My government will not shy away from taking difficult but necessary steps when it comes to securing justice through lawful means. The Punjab Government has always stood firmly with justice and will continue to work towards resolving every legitimate issue concerning the people of Punjab through democratic, constitutional and legal means,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.