Chandigarh (August 26, 2011): As per media reports the Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal, has sought personal intervention of Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in securing early pardon of Devender Pal Singh Bhullar from the death sentence so that the sentiments and feelings of the entire Sikh community world wide finds solace, peace and satisfaction.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Badal deeply desired that he wanted to meet him in person, once again, to espouse the cause of Bhullar’s clemency. But however, he was equally aware of his (Prime Minister’s) busy schedule in view of the happenings in Delhi.
Therefore, the Chief Minister requested Dr. Singh to allow him to take this liberty on behalf of Punjab government to seek his direct intervention on the issue of clemency to Bhullar. Badal also mentioned that he along with the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal met him on June 23, 2011 on the issue of clemency to Bhullar.
Badal said: “Needless to say, the efforts on part of the Sikhs, both in India and abroad resonate with a single thought that Bhullar’s case should be viewed with deep humanitarianism and sympathy”.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that he led an all party delegation including SGPC members recently to meet the Governor of Punjab and submitted a memorandum for President of India urging clemency for Bhullar.
This sudden change in views of Mr. Badal are attributed to various factors, inter alia, upcoming SGPC and Punjab assembly election, as well as mass response and agitation by the Sikhs living across the globe. Previously, on many occasions Badal Government had favored execution of Prof. Bhullar to save the skin of cops considered as close associates of Mr. Badal, who were responsible for murdering Prof. Bhullar’s father, uncle and friend. Trio were murdered by Punjab police back in 1991 but no action against accused police officers has followed.