In a strongly worded letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has expressed his grave concerns over the Haryana Government’s recent recommendations for Gallantry Awards. These awards are proposed for police officers accused of unprovoked and indiscriminate firing on peaceful farmers during protests at the Shambu and Khanouri Borders. Bajwa’s letter highlights the alarming implications of such recommendations, equating them to awarding a gallantry medal to General Dyer for his role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Bajwa criticized the Haryana Government’s decision, calling it brazen and deeply troubling. He argued that endorsing these awards would effectively exonerate police officers who are currently under judicial inquiry for their excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. The special committee, chaired by a retired High Court Judge, is scrutinizing the officers’ roles in the firing incident, and any interference with this judicial inquiry undermines the principles of justice.
The police officers in question, including Sibash Kabiraj (IGP Ambala), Jashandeep Singh Randhawa (S.P. Kurukshetra), Sumit Kumar (S.P. Jind), D.S.P. Narinder Singh, D.S.P. Ram Kumar, and D.S.P. Amit Bhatia, were responsible for the police forces at Shambu and Khanouri Borders. Instead of safeguarding the rights of peaceful protesters, Bajwa alleges they resorted to excessive force, resulting in the death of Shubhkaran Singh and injuries to other farmers. Moreover, false FIRs were registered against the very farmers they were supposed to protect.
Bajwa emphasized that the Haryana Government’s recommendation for gallantry awards interferes with the ongoing judicial process. He asserted that this act further undermines the credibility of the investigation into the firing incidents and the death of Shubhkaran Singh. The Punjab Government’s failure to hold Haryana Police officials accountable for Singh’s death is also troubling, especially in light of ballistic reports revealing the use of unauthorized weapons against protesting farmers.
In his earnest request to the President and the Hon’ble Home Minister, Bajwa urged the rejection of these gallantry award recommendations. He stressed that upholding justice and ensuring accountability are paramount for democracy. Bajwa expressed confidence that appropriate action would be taken to safeguard citizens’ rights and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency.
The letter ends with Bajwa’s heartfelt plea for immediate attention to this urgent matter, reflecting his unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of peaceful protesters’ rights.
