Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann seeks 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara on humanitarian grounds, citing his ailing mother’s wish to meet him.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and requested a 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is currently serving a sentence in Delhi in connection with the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Mann said the parole request has been made on humanitarian grounds, as Hawara’s mother has been unwell for a long time and wants to meet her son.
Mann Assures Governor of Peace and Law and Order
After meeting Governor Kataria, Mann told reporters that the Punjab government is prepared to ensure that Hawara’s temporary release does not create any law-and-order situation in the state.
He said there would be no slogan-shouting, protests or other activities that could disturb public order if the parole is granted.
The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also indicated that Sikh organisations associated with campaigns seeking Hawara’s release have assured the government of their cooperation and have agreed to maintain peace during the period.
Parole Process Involves Chandigarh and Centre
Bhagwant Mann explained that the case has a connection with the Union Territory administration, because of which the recommendation has to move through the Chandigarh administration.
He said the final decision on the parole application rests with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The Punjab government has therefore formally sought a 10-day parole and requested that the necessary process be completed at the earliest.
According to Mann, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria assured him that the matter would be taken up with the central government and that the required formalities would be initiated.
Bhagwant Mann Highlights Hawara’s Mother’s Condition
The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stressed that the request is being made primarily on humanitarian considerations. He said Hawara’s mother has been ill for a considerable period and wants an opportunity to meet her son.
Mann also referred to the long period that has passed since the case, saying that more than three decades have elapsed.
He expressed hope that Hawara would be allowed to spend some time with his ailing mother if the parole is approved.
Political Significance of the Move
The parole request could also have political implications in Punjab. Political observers may interpret the government’s decision as an attempt to reach out to the Panthic section of voters, while simultaneously stressing that any temporary release must not affect peace and public order.
For the Mann government, the challenge is to balance humanitarian considerations with security concerns surrounding a case that has remained politically sensitive in Punjab.
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