Punjab Govt to Raise Matter of Chandigarh With Center; No Discussion on Sikh Prisoners

:dateline:While renewing his pledge to�seek transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, Chief Minister Parkash Badal said that the Akali Government will work with Union Government to seek important issues resolved with priority. �Badal mentioned that it was important for all Punjabi speaking areas to be returned to Punjab. �During the press conference,�he also touched upon historical artifacts that were stolen from Sri Darbar Sahib in 1984.

Badal’s pro-Chandigarh and demand to seek return of artifacts stolen from Sikh Reference Library has come after an attracting nagar kirtan was carried out throughout Punjab’s major cities showing Sikh historical artifacts.

While touching many issues, Badal refused to comment on release of Sikh political prisoners and brought up matters.

In a press statement, he added,�”We will further intensify our efforts to bring these valuable articles snatched away from us during the operation blue star back to the state.�We will make every effort to ensure the historical artifacts are returned to the State Government.”

Continued refusal to entertain demand of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, an 82 year old who is on hunger strike to seek release of Sikh political prisoners is a reason for concern. �Earlier, Sikh Organizations had appealed to the Akali Government to release Sikh prisoners languishing in jails despite having completed their sentences.