CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party Punjab MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura launched a sharp attack on the previous Akali-BJP administration over its handling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents, maintaining that repeated desecration cases and subsequent police firing took place under its watch. Addressing a press conference, the AAP legislator stated that the 2015 events remain a deep wound in the hearts of Punjabis, asserting that the Shiromani Akali Dal used Panthic issues for political ends while in power.
Giaspura questioned the claims made by former Home Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal regarding his lack of knowledge about the theft of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, asserting that reports from intelligence channels and Badal’s own office had received information about the incident. The AAP MLA maintained that timely administrative action was neglected, which emboldened perpetrators to commit further acts of sacrilege.
Demanding complete accountability, Giaspura stated that the Special Investigation Team must establish who gave the explicit orders to open fire on peaceful protesters at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan, resulting in the deaths of Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Gurjit Singh. He added that court documents contradict Badal’s claims of absence, indicating he was present in Punjab and in touch with senior police officials during the period.
Highlighting legislative action taken by the current administration, Giaspura affirmed that the Bhagwant Mann government has introduced stringent laws against sacrilege, prescribing life imprisonment and denying bail for the guilty. He stated that the government remains committed to ensuring strict legal punishment for all responsible parties.
