DSGMC Urges Punjab CM to Revoke Medals for Convicted Officers
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of gallantry medals awarded to two police officers convicted in the abduction, torture, and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdip Singh Kahlon called for the revocation of the President's Police Medal for Gallantry conferred upon former SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu and former DSP Jaspal Singh.
Convicted Officers Retain National Honours
Both Sandhu and Jaspal Singh were implicated and convicted in the Khalra case, one of India's most tragic and widely condemned human rights violations. The DSGMC leaders expressed deep concern that officers found guilty of such heinous crimes continue to hold prestigious national honours. "It is deeply disturbing that officers convicted in one of the most tragic human rights violations in the nation's history continue to retain such prestigious national honours," the letter stated.
Medals Undermine Justice and Rule of Law
The DSGMC asserted that allowing these gallantry medals to remain with the convicted officers undermines the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. "Honouring individuals found guilty in such a heinous crime is not only an insult to the memory of Jaswant Singh Khalra but also deeply hurts the sentiments of the Sikh community and all those who believe in justice and human dignity," Kalka and Kahlon emphasised.
Tribute to Jaswant Singh Khalra
DSGMC paid rich tributes to Khalra, describing him as a fearless human rights defender who dedicated his life to exposing the truth and upholding the dignity of countless innocent victims. They said Khalra's sacrifice continues to inspire people across the world in the struggle for justice and human rights. Khalra was a former senior manager of the State Bank of India who investigated and documented cases of enforced disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s, leading to his abduction, torture, and murder by Punjab Police officers.
Appeal for Immediate Action
Appealing to the Punjab Chief Minister to take immediate action, Kalka said, "Justice must not only be delivered but must also be seen to prevail." He urged the Punjab Government to recommend the withdrawal of the President's Police Medals awarded to the convicted officers, stating that such honours have no place in a democratic society that values human rights, justice, and accountability. He expressed confidence that the Punjab Government would act with moral courage and uphold the principles of justice by ensuring that these honours are withdrawn without further delay.
