A massive rally organized by the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De (WPD) in Patti has reshaped the political landscape of Punjab, drawing a huge turnout that signals a shift in the Majha region's political equations. The event, led by youth leader Harpreet Singh Patti, attracted a large number of young people, sarpanches, panches, and women from across Tarn Taran district, demonstrating the growing pro-Panthic sentiment that gained momentum during the Lok Sabha elections.
Leaders Call for Drug-Free Youth
Addressing the gathering, Tarsem Singh, father of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, urged the youth to stay away from drug addiction and take an active role in serving the Panth and Punjab. He criticized central political leadership for lacking genuine sincerity in resolving Punjab's long-standing issues. According to him, since Independence, Punjab has faced continuous discrimination on matters such as river waters, the status of Chandigarh as the capital, issues related to Panjab University, the Bhakra Beas Management Board, the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences, and justice for the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. He stated that no Central Government has delivered justice to the state, but expressed encouragement that Punjab's youth are becoming aware of their rights and preparing to play a decisive role in the future.
Support for Khalra Film and Honors
Manpreet Singh Ayali, MLA from Mullanpur Dakha, congratulated the youth for their growing awareness and assured them that continuous efforts would be made to ensure they could become the voice of their own rights. Ayali also criticized the Central Government over the ban on the film based on Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who was killed while investigating extrajudicial killings. He said the government's intention was to prevent the true stories of those who fought for justice from reaching the public. However, he added that the government had forgotten that every village's gathering place (satth) had now become a cinema hall screening the story of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Demand for National Honor
Ayali further demanded that Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, who sacrificed his life for human rights, be honored with the 'Panth Ratan' award and conferred a prestigious national honor by the President of India.
Senior party leaders, including Tarlochan Singh Tur, youth president Sukhdev Singh Qadian, Amarjit Singh Vannchidi, Paramjit Singh Johal, Chamkaur Singh, Lakha Singh Sidhana, Bhana Sidhu, and several others, were also present at the historic gathering.
