Ambala, 26 August:- Local Advocate and member of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Gurtej Singh issuing a statement said that Government's approach towards Punjab and Sikh community should be based on justice, respect and dialogue. Because in democracy Government gets power from will and trust of people, therefore sentiments, demands and concerns of citizens cannot be ignored. It is duty of Government to listen to people with sensitivity and understand issues related to their religion, honour and identity. Today need is that Governments try to understand Sikh religion, its principles and thinking of Sikh community, rather than trying to mould or change them according to their convenience or administrative thinking.
Advocate Gurtej Singh said that Sikh traditions, institutions and sentiments have developed from centuries of history, sacrifices and struggles. They need to be understood with respect and sensitivity, not just from perspective of governmental power. He said that case of giving parole to Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara to meet his mother is also very important in this context. Keeping in mind human and family need of meeting a mother, such request should be considered with compassion and human sensitivity. On the contrary when Baba Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim is given parole again and again on various occasions, then not getting such human relief in case of Jathedar Hawara raises serious questions about equality and uniform legal treatment. Law is there to maintain order in country and protect rights and honour of citizens. It should not be used to create feeling in one community that it is being treated differently or unjustly. Equality before law should be visible not only on papers but also in its implementation. Government should understand that Sikh community has its own deep historical tradition of maintaining its honour, standing for justice and remaining firm on its principles. Attempt to suppress sentiments with pressure, force or strictness can never give permanent solution. History is witness that more attempt was made to suppress Sikhs, more spirit of Sikhi, identity and determination became stronger. Therefore confrontation cannot be solution to any problem. Today time has come that Governments bring change in their approach towards Punjab and Sikh community and give priority to dialogue, understanding, compassion and mutual respect. Instead of trying to change Sikh sentiments or mould them according to their convenience, Government should try to understand why these sentiments are there and what historical and religious principles are behind them. Many problems related to Punjab can be solved through dialogue.
Advocate said that Government should sit with representatives of Sikh community and listen to their demands and concerns and find solutions which are just and respect Sikh identity and honour. Strong democracy is not where Government only uses its power; strong democracy is where Government has capacity and will to listen to its people. He said, "Our message is clear: Instead of trying to change us, understand us. Instead of confrontation, dialogue with us. Instead of testing our honour, value it and solve issues through dialogue instead of force". He said that Punjab does not need more confrontation, but needs trust, justice, equality and meaningful dialogue. This is true spirit of democracy and this is right path towards lasting peace and trust in Punjab