Punjab Activist to End 18-Month Telecom Tower Protest as Government Takes Action
In a significant development in Punjab's Samana town, located in Patiala district, a 43-year-old activist is poised to conclude his extraordinary 18-month protest atop a 400-foot-high telecom tower. Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who has braved harsh weather and health risks since October 12, 2024, is expected to climb down on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after the state government announced a special Vidhan Sabha session to deliberate on an anti-sacrilege law.
Protest Demands and Government Response
Throughout his prolonged demonstration, Khalsa steadfastly demanded the enactment of a stringent anti-sacrilege law, calling for strict punishment for those involved in the desecration of holy scriptures, regardless of religion. His resolve remained unshaken, with supporters launching a foot march from Samana on January 1 and initiating an indefinite dharna last month as his pleas went unanswered.
The breakthrough came when officials from the Patiala administration informed Khalsa that the Punjab government has scheduled a special session on April 13 to amend the 2008 law, aiming to impose harsher penalties for such offenses. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan is set to visit Samana to meet with Khalsa, signaling the government's commitment to addressing his concerns.
Health Challenges and Support Network
Living in a makeshift tarpaulin shelter on the tower, Khalsa relied on two caretakers who delivered food and water once daily. He used a polythene bag for sanitation, and the lack of physical activity led to fluctuations in his blood pressure and sugar levels. Despite these adversities, Khalsa maintained, "My faith in my Guru is always there," underscoring the spiritual motivation behind his protest.
Khalsa's cause has garnered widespread support, particularly from the Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Morcha, whose hundreds of members have blocked Samana town since late February. The protest also attracted attention from political leaders, including those from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who pledged to legislate on the matter.
Legislative Background and Future Steps
Last year, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, which proposes punishments ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment for sacrilege acts. The bill stipulates that only police officers of DSP rank and above can investigate such cases. After debate, it was referred to a select committee for stakeholder discussions in 2025, but the committee has yet to submit its report, leaving the law in limbo.
Sources indicate that Khalsa has agreed to end his protest and communicated this decision to authorities. However, his supporters in Samana await his final response to the government's initiative, highlighting the ongoing tension and hope for legislative progress.
This protest underscores the deep-seated issues surrounding religious freedom and justice in Punjab, with Khalsa's impending descent marking a potential turning point in the fight against sacrilege.
