Akal Takht Declares Sukhbir Singh Badal ‘Guilty of Religious Misconduct’

On 30 Aug, the Akal Takht (Eternal Throne, Sikh Seat of Justice and Authority; AT) declared Sukhbir Singh Badal tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) for his ‘decisions and crimes’ during his tenure as deputy CM of Panjab from 2007 to 2017. The edict held ‘Badal guilty of causing huge damage to the Panthic (Sikh collective) image and Sikh interests, and very badly weakening the SAD’ (SDW Vol 2 Issue 31, Story 5). The AT has also summoned other Sikh ministers who served in the SAD-BJP government during the same period, requiring them to submit written explanations within 15 days. SAD has publicly accepted the AT’s directives, with vice-president Daljit Singh Cheema stating that the party bows before the decision and will comply with the orders. On 31 Aug, Badal and other accused Gulzar Singh Ranike, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Mahesh Inder Grewal appeared before the AT. The AT indictment implicates former Panjab CM late Parkash Singh Badal as well. Sikh groups have called for the revocation of the award Panth Ratan Fakhr-e-Qaum (Sikh Collective’s jewel, Sikh Nation’s Honor) awarded to Parkash Singh Badal by the AT in December 2011. Like during the 2015 Sarbat Khalsa (Plenary Meet of the Khalsa), this time prominent Sikh figures have issued a joint statement demanding the withdrawal of the award. Before the AT decision Badal had appointed long-term Badal family loyalist Balwinder Singh Bhunder as SAD’s working president. While the list of those declared tankhaiya is long, prominent politicians include former Indian President Giani Zail Singh, former Union Home Minister and INC leader Buta Singh after “Operation Blue Star” and former Panjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala after “Operation Black Thunder.”

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The Rouse Avenue court, New Delhi has directed the framing of charges against INC leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide. The case involves the killing of three men—Sardar Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh—by a mob that torched the Pul Bangash Gurdwara in Delhi on 1 Nov 1984, a day after former PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated. Tytler, who was a 40 year old prominent INC leader at the time, now 80, faces charges including murder, abetment, rioting, promoting enmity between groups, and being part of an unlawful assembly. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which initially exonerated Tytler, was ordered to reopen the investigation it had closed in 2007. Over the years, the CBI filed three closure reports, all rejected by the court. Even former INC Panjab CM Amarinder Singh had absolved Tytler. Eyewitnesses recall Tytler incited violence, where he reportedly shouted, ‘Kill the Sikhs, they have killed our mother,’ referring to Indira Gandhi. At the Azad Market Gurdwara in North Delhi’s Pul Bangash, memories of the violence of the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide resurfaced on 30 Aug as news spread that Tytler is set to face trial. Upon hearing the news, Gurbaksh Singh, a witness to the events, recalled how he and his family were terrified as shops burned and people were killed. In another case related to 1984 genocide, the Delhi High Court has ordered a 10% annual interest on compensation awarded to a victim. This case emerged from an appeal against a 2019 judgment that had dismissed the victim’s plea for interest on the ex-gratia compensation of $1,210 granted to him.

On 31 Aug, the Farmers Protest 2.0 at the Shambhu and Khanauri inter-state border between Panjab and Haryana marked the completion of 200 days of their bid to advance to Delhi. On 27 Aug, Jagjit Singh Dallewal from Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), along with Baldev Singh Sirsa, Sukhdev Singh Bhojraj, and Amrik Singh were stopped from boarding a flight from Delhi to Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, because two of them were wearing kirpans (traditional sword). The leaders were going to participate in Kisan Mahapanchayats (large gatherings) and press conferences. Kirpans are allowed on Indian flights, this was just a pretext to stop the leaders. On 30 Aug, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a raid at the residence of Sukhwinder Kaur, the general secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU-Krantikari), in Rampura Phul, Panjab, as part of a broader crackdown on suspected Naxalite activities. Along with Kaur, other prominent activists raided were Advocate Mandeep Singh in Chandigarh whose family has in the past earned five Shaurya Chakras (third highest peacetime gallantry awards) and Advocates Pankaj Tyagi, Aarti, Ajay Kumar and others. Tyagi has been taken into custody. These raids also come after a recent statement by Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah that he would wipe out Naxalism by 2026. A glimmer of hope lies in the Supreme Court of India setting up a ‘neutral high-powered committee’, chaired by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, Justice (Retd.) Nawab Singh, to talk to protesting farmers. 

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has sent a legal notice to the makers of Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming movie Emergency. SGPC secretary Partap Singh confirmed that the notice was sent under the direction of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami after the release of the trailer, which has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. The SGPC asserts that there is no evidence or record that Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale or anyone from the Sikh community ever demanded Khalistan, labeling the portrayal as false and defamatory. Sant Bhindranwale did not demand Khalistan, his statements were, ‘If they give it (Khalistan) to us, we will not repeat the mistake of 1947,’ and ‘The day the Army steps into the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), the foundation of Khalistan will be laid.’ In the 1980-90s, there was a movement for Khalistan in Panjab, supported by the Diaspora. However, the key point is that the events of the 1980s and 90s are unrelated to the Emergency (1975-77), except that Indira Gandhi, upset with SAD's opposition, is believed by historians to have sabotaged Panjab (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 35, Story 2). Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked for some cuts to the movie. Since the producers have not agreed to them, the certification has stalled. The movie was set to release on 6 Sep. Ranaut plans a legal action against the CBFC. Though the CBFC  has not said a word, Ranaut has said, ‘The Censor Board members are getting threats.’

On 27 Aug, a group of former leaders from the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) urged the Akal Takht (Eternal Throne, Sikh Seat of Justice and Authority; AT) Jathedar (leader) Giani Raghubir Singh not to install a portrait of Parmjit Singh Panjwar at the Central Sikh Museum. Panjwar, the former chief of the Khalistan Commando Force, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near his residence in Lahore in May 2023. Designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by India, Panjwar was wanted in multiple cases in India. On 13 Jul, the AT Jathedar had instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to install Panjwar’s portrait at the museum (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 29, Story 9). However, the AISSF leaders, led by Tajinder Singh Timma, handed over a letter to the Jathedar in which they argued that displaying Panjwar’s portrait would promote lawlessness and violence within the Sikh community. They say, Panjwar’s alleged involvement in the killings of Sikh leaders such as Harminder Singh Sandhu, Sukhwant Singh Akkanwali, and Chamkaur Singh Rode, makes his inclusion in the museum inappropriate. The letter incorrectly stated Panjwar led a Panthic committee, though Dr. Sohan Singh was the head. In 1992, the committee called for an election boycott at gunpoint, leading to the deaths of 27 candidates and paving the way for INC rule, which was marked by violence against Sikh youth. Timma, a contemporary of Panjwar, is currently secretary of the Sri Ganga Nagar Chamber of Industry and chairman of the Rajasthan Dharam Parchar (religious propagation) Committee. Timma also has a sedition case pending against him at the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur. 

On 29 Aug, farmers in Malerkotla, led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU Ekta Ugrahan) members, freed land across a 17 km stretch forcibly acquired by the Panjab govt. for the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. Three weeks back, Union Minister for Transport Nitin Gadkari had canceled multiple National Highways Authority of India road projects in the state over difficulty in acquiring land (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 33, Story 2). Two weeks back, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had granted the state two weeks to acquire the land. Last week the govt. had taken possession of the land but farmers in Sarod and Ranwan villages in Malerkotla were unhappy over inadequate compensation and acquisition of their land without consent. BKU Ekta Ugrahan stepped in and marched along the route on foot breaking 15 police barricades. At one point, the police had placed trucks on the route which farmers pushed aside, then they deployed women police constables and farmers ensured they moved aside. The farmers finally managed to free the whole tract without any injuries or damages. Gurpreet Singh, a member of BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), accused the government of misusing power by taking possession of the land without engaging in discussions with the farmers. The district administration, however, insisted that compensation had already been provided, noting that delays in land acquisition were due to disputes among family members of the landowners. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, the head of BKU Ekta Ugrahan complimented his cadre. Later, a 10-member committee was formed to address the farmers’ grievances, with assurances from the administration that no development work would proceed until the committee reached a decision.

Canada is currently witnessing nationwide protests as over 70K international students, primarily from India and many from Panjab, face potential deportation due to changes in federal immigration policies. These students, who came to Canada with hopes of building a new life, are now struggling with uncertainty as the Canadian govt. has introduced stricter immigration measures. Panjabi students and workers are protesting the Canadian govt.’s cap of 360K new study permits for 2024—a 35% reduction—and stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) criteria. ‘I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System points, but the govt. has taken advantage of us,’ said Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing deportation. On 30 Aug Naujawan Support Network initiated a 24/7 protest in Brampton, Ontario at Queen St & Highway 410. The protesters are demanding the extension of PGWPs expiring in 2024-25, the introduction of a 5-year PGWP for all international students, a fair pathway to permanent residency, and an end to exploitation through Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA’s). This is also noted in a UN report by Tomoya Obokata, as LMIA’s employment terms enable wage theft, long hours, and frequent abuse. Meanwhile, Germany is emerging as a top destination for students from Panjab. Germany has around 43K students from India, which has more than doubled from just over 20K in 2019. Unlike Canada, where the cost of tuition can be a significant burden, Germany offers free education at all public institutions. 

A case of a police officer being attacked with a koyta (machete) in Pune’s Hadapsar has escalated as the local Sikh community accuses the police of disrespecting religious sentiments. The incident occurred on 25 Aug, when Assistant Police Inspector Ratnakar Gaikwad attempted to break up a fight and was attacked. The police arrested five individuals following the attack. However, the Sikh community has alleged that the police removed turbans of the Sikh accused. Raj Singh, founder of Sikh Helpline, condemned the police’s actions, stating ‘The removal of their turbans, leaving their hair exposed, is a reprehensible and unacceptable practice reminiscent of the dark British era, aimed at defaming the Sikh community and its sacred pagri (turban).’ He demanded the immediate suspension of the officers involved, an unconditional apology from the Pune Police Department, and training for police personnel on Sikh religious practices. In response, Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Patange of Wanawadi Police Station refuted the claims, stating that the accused were not wearing turbans but caps. He also noted that those arrested are well known to police, with around 50 cases registered against them across Maharashtra. Meanwhile in New Zealand, on 24 Aug a brawl erupted inside a Gurdwara in Tauranga. The Tauranga Sikh Society stated that while their members were holding a meeting, a rival group arrived with 40 to 50 people, some armed, leading to a violent altercation. The clash was over control of the Gurdwara, and two people were arrested. Daljit Singh, president of the NZ Central Sikh Association, representing the rival group expressed regret over the violence.

The Panjab govt’s Crop Diversification through Agroforestry (CDAF) scheme, launched in 2022-23, is helping farmers diversify their crops and increase their income through tree planting. Sukhjit Singh Sandhu, who started with 2 acres and expanded to 8 acres, received $49K in subsidies, while another farmer Yashpal Singh, who planted trees on 7 acres, received $25K. The scheme encourages agroforestry, which reduces reliance on water-intensive crops like paddy, helping to conserve natural resources. Farmers who plant trees receive subsidies over three years, depending on the type of tree. The scheme also offers a mobile app for registration, field verification, and subsidy calculation, ensuring transparency. In 2022-23, 3,109 beneficiaries planted 3.6M saplings and received $949K in subsidies, while in 2023-24, 2,940 beneficiaries planted 3.4M saplings and will receive $938K. Experts believe the CDAF scheme could help address Panjab’s declining groundwater levels, which are dropping by 80-90 cm annually in many areas. Panjab is a major eucalyptus producer for timber and paper industries, but its cultivation raises concerns. In 2021, The Forest Department halted the planting of eucalyptus trees along roadsides in the district after environmentalists filed petitions with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The petition cited concerns over eucalyptus trees, known to deplete soil nutrients and consume significant amounts of water, making the land infertile for other crops. Activist Michal Rahul urged implementing NGT recommendations and promoting native trees, arguing rural bodies should avoid planting exotic species like eucalyptus in favor of those beneficial to the environment.

Panjab's farm stays are revolutionizing the tourism sector by offering immersive experiences that combine agricultural life with cultural and historical heritage. A 'farm stay' is a form of lodging that allows guests to stay on a working farm, offering visitors opportunities to experience rural life and farming activities firsthand. Accommodations range from simple rooms in a farmhouse to more luxurious cottages or villas. These farm stays, many registered with the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB), promote sustainable tourism while generating local employment and supporting traditional handicrafts. A notable figure in this movement is 86-year-old Sukhchain Singh Gill, founder of Hansali Organic Farm in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Gill recently received the World Tourism Network (WTN) Hero Award, making him the first Indian to be honored for his contributions to sustainable farm tourism. In 2023, Pandurang Taware, an agri-tourism pioneer, stated that the sector has the potential to boost farmers' incomes, while emphasizing the importance of promoting women farmers, and recognizing the opportunities within agricultural tourism. Run by 80-year-old Satwant Kaur Sangha and her family, 'The Kothi', has become a center for cultural heritage tourism, featuring old colonial era architecture, and offering employment opportunities to local villagers in various capacities. The Sangha family also operates 'Pipal Haveli,' a UNESCO Asia Pacific award-winning heritage conservation project that serves as both a tourism site and a knowledge hub for architecture students. These farm stays are not only preserving Panjab's rich cultural legacy but are also fostering sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.