Chandigarh: The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) on Sunday urged the Centre to issue a formal apology in Parliament for the 1984 genocide. In a memorandum submitted to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, a delegation of the party demanded that the government officially acknowledge the events and declare former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as the main culprit. They also called for renaming Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport after Guru Teg Bahadur.
Demands on Sacrilege Cases and SGPC Elections
The party demanded exemplary punishment through fast-track courts for those found guilty in the 2015 sacrilege cases, including Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. It also urged the immediate conduct of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections, which have been overdue since 2011, and the release of Bandi Singhs who have completed their sentences.
Amendments to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act
The memorandum sought comprehensive amendments to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, after proper consultation with Sikh institutions.
Agricultural and Economic Revival Package
On the agricultural front, the party demanded a comprehensive revival package, including a complete farm debt waiver, a statutory guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for diversified crops, and the opening of the Wagah border for agricultural and commercial trade.
Labour and Social Welfare
The party also demanded protection of labourers' rights, a debt waiver for landless workers, and restoration of MGNREGA funding on the 90:10 Centre-State pattern.
Territorial and Water Rights
The delegation demanded the completion of the Punjabi Suba by including Punjabi-speaking areas left out in 1966, protection of Punjab's rights over its river waters and hydroelectric projects, and immediate reopening and uninterrupted operation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Economic and Industrial Package
Further, the SAD (Punar Surjit) requested a special economic and industrial package for Punjab on par with other border states, along with a 50% reduction in VAT and excise duty on fuel to provide relief from inflation. It called for the timely availability of fertilisers such as DAP and urea, and strict action against black marketing and forced bundling of products.
Special Category Status for Punjab
The party reiterated the demand to grant special category status to Punjab in recognition of its extraordinary contribution to national security, food security, and the Green Revolution.
Delegation Members
The delegation included Gurpartap Singh Wadala, secretary general of SAD (Punar Surjit); former MPs Prem Singh Chandumajra and Paramjit Kaur Gulshan; Gobind Singh Longowal, former MLA and ex-president of the SGPC; former ministers Sucha Singh Chhotepur and Sarwan Singh Phillaur; and former legislators Gaganjit Singh Barnala, Ajaypal Singh Meerakot, and Ranjit Singh Chhajalwadi.
