*Bhagwant Mann Govt Will Leave No Stone Unturned to Secure Release of Bandi Singhs*

*Central Govt Still Hasn't Granted Jagtar Singh Hawara Parole Despite AAP Govt's Assurances on Law & Order: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Justice for Bandi Singhs Must Not Be Delayed Indefinitely: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Even Few Days of Parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara Can Set Example of Peace & Harmony in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Will Take Up Parole of Paramjit Singh Bheora & Jagtar Singh Tara With Governor: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH; 12 October, 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has reiterated that his government will pursue every legal and constitutional avenue to secure the release of Bandi Singhs, asserting that the long-pending issue must not remain unresolved indefinitely. He stated that the government had assured the Centre and the Governor that law and order would be maintained if Jagtar Singh Hawara was granted parole to meet his ailing mother, but the Centre had still not approved it.

The Chief Minister also shared that he would take up the parole cases of Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh, while urging Sikh organisations to keep their struggle peaceful and within the bounds of the law.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Today, an important meeting was held with representatives of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. During the meeting, we held detailed discussions on their demands and assured them that our government is making continuous and sincere efforts to secure the early release of the Bandi Singhs. We are working with full urgency towards a meaningful resolution of this issue, and we hope that positive results will emerge soon.”

During a meeting with representatives of Sikh organisations, farmers’ unions and other groups, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The government is ready to extend all possible assistance in this matter within the framework of the law. The long-pending matter concerning Bandi Singhs must not be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. The AAP Government’s intentions and commitment are absolutely clear, and we stand firmly in support of justice.”

The Chief Minister further stated, “I am ready to extend every possible assistance within my powers, and the state government will never become an obstacle in this matter.” He assured the delegation, comprising Sant Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, Gurdeep Singh from Bathinda, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Gursewak Singh Kahaneke, Baba Bhupinder Singh, farmer leaders Boota Singh Burjgil among others, “The state government is committed to ensuring law and order during Jagtar Singh Hawara’s parole.”

Speaking on the issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “The Punjab Government has already assured the Central Government and the Governor of Punjab that law and order will be maintained in the state if Hawara is granted parole to meet his ailing mother.”

The Chief Minister expressed regret that parole had not been granted despite the assurances given by the Punjab Government, adding, “The matter now rests with the Central Government. The Punjab Government will take responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state. We have also given an assurance to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard, but the Central Government has still not granted parole.”

Addressing the Sikh organisations, he emphasised, “Even if Jagtar Singh Hawara is granted parole for only a few days, it should serve as an example of how peace and harmony can be maintained in the state.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This can pave the way for the release of other Bandi Singhs as well.” He urged Sikh organisations to ensure that their struggle for the release of Bandi Singhs remained peaceful and within the bounds of the law.

He added, “Certain groups sometimes deliberately resort to disruptive activities in an attempt to derail such movements and defame the image of the Sikhs globally.” On the issue of parole for Paramjit Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Tara, who are lodged in Burail Jail, the Chief Minister clarified, “The matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Administration.”

The Chief Minister further stated, “I will take up this issue with the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh.” He asked Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, who was present at the meeting, to examine each case from a legal perspective so that an amicable solution could be explored. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the committee, “The AAP Government is committed to pursuing every appropriate, lawful and constitutional avenue to ensure a suitable and speedy resolution of the matter.”

The Chief Minister emphasised, “The government will take all possible legal and constitutional steps to seek the release of Bandi Singhs languishing in jails, as this involves matters of justice, humanity and the rights of individuals who have already undergone prolonged periods of incarceration. The government will approach the matter with sensitivity, responsibility and a clear commitment to justice, while fully respecting the constitutional and legal framework.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically asserted, “The AAP government will not shy away from taking difficult but necessary steps when it comes to securing justice through lawful means.”

Those present at the meeting included Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs, Alok Shekhar, Special Director General of Police (DGP), Law and Order, PK Sinha, Principal Secretary, Jails, Bhawna Garg, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Kumar Amit, and others.

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*We’re Developing Sangrur Into Skating Hub To Nurture International-Level Players: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Only 2 Skating Tracks Were Available Earlier; We're Building Another World-Class Skating Track In Dhuri: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Sangrur District’s Players Win 70 To 80 National Medals Every Year: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt Will Ensure That Athletes Lack Nothing In Their Pursuit Of Sporting Excellence: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Previous Govts Failed To Prioritise Sports; We’ve Allocated Record ₹1,790 Crore Budget For Sports: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Today, Captains Of India’s Cricket, Hockey, And Football Teams Are Punjabis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Parents Must Encourage Children To Participate In Sports Alongside Studies To Keep Them Away From Bad Company: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Meets Skating Athletes At Sangrur Police Lines*

SANGRUR; 12th October 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is transforming Sangrur into a skating hub to nurture international-level talent, with players from the district winning 70 to 80 national medals every year and a new world-class skating track coming up in Dhuri. Contrasting his government’s focus on sports with the neglect of previous governments, he highlighted the record ₹1,790 crore sports budget and pledged that no athlete would be deprived of facilities or resources. Emphasising Punjab’s sporting legacy, he said the captains of India’s cricket, hockey and football teams are Punjabis, while urging parents to encourage children to balance sports with education and bring glory to the country.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “It was heartening to see the enthusiasm of young children and youth at the skating track in Sangrur. Sangrur has now emerged as a skating hub, with its players winning 70 to 80 national medals every year. Salute to the hard work and dedication of these young athletes’ parents and coaches. The captains of India’s cricket, hockey and football teams are Punjabis because Punjabis are never satisfied with anything less than the top position. To provide athletes with international-level facilities, we have increased the sports budget to ₹1,790 crore for the first time. We pray that our children achieve great success in sports and academics and bring glory to the country. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Interacting with the players, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “We are developing Sangrur into a skating hub to nurture international-level players. Skating is a highly challenging sport that requires exceptional skills, technique and dedication.”

The Chief Minister also congratulated the players who had won silver medals at the 19th and 20th Asian Roller Skating Championships. “It is a matter of pride that players from Sangrur district win 70 to 80 national medals every year. Our government will ensure that players have access to the best facilities and resources to excel at national and international competitions,” he said.

He said, “We already have two skating tracks in Sangrur district, and another excellent skating track is being developed in Dhuri. Our objective is to provide skaters with international-level facilities so that they can bring laurels to Punjab and the country. We will not allow any shortage of facilities or resources to hinder the progress of our players.”

Highlighting his government’s commitment to sports, the Chief Minister said that the government had allocated ₹1,790 crore exclusively for the sector for the first time. “Previous governments did not give sports the importance they deserved. Our government has allocated ₹1,790 crore for sports for the first time to strengthen sporting infrastructure and encourage young talent. We are committed to ensuring that our players receive the support they need to achieve excellence,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that the fourth season of Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is underway, with lakhs of participants taking part in the initiative to identify and nurture emerging sporting talent. “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and pursue their sporting ambitions. We are also developing more than 3,000 rural sports grounds and establishing gyms in villages to promote sports and encourage our youth to adopt a healthy and disciplined lifestyle,” he said.

Congratulating the medal-winning players, the Chief Minister acknowledged the contribution of parents and coaches in their achievements. “A player’s hard work and dedication are essential to reaching the podium, but parents and coaches also make an invaluable contribution. They stand by players at every step, guide them through challenges and support them like a shadow. I congratulate all the medal-winning players, their parents and their coaches for their achievements,” he said.

He also urged parents to encourage their children to participate in sports alongside their studies. “Sports instil discipline, confidence and teamwork in young people and help keep them away from bad company. We must provide our children with every opportunity to develop their talents and build a bright future.”

Emphasising Punjab’s longstanding contribution to Indian sports, the Chief Minister said that Punjabi athletes had consistently brought honour to the country at national and international competitions. “Punjab has made an exceptional contribution to Indian sports over several decades. Today, Harmanpreet Singh is leading the Indian men’s hockey team, Shubman Gill is the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur has led the Indian women’s cricket team, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is leading the Indian men's football team, and Palpreet Singh Brar has captained the Indian basketball team. This reflects the immense sporting talent of Punjab, and our government is committed to nurturing the next generation of champions,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government would continue investing in sporting infrastructure and providing young athletes with opportunities to excel.

Exhibition speed-skating races for boys and girls were also organised on the occasion.