Chandigarh: The Congress party has called an all-party meeting to protest against the summoning of Barjinder Singh Hamdard by vigilance in the investigation of the Jang-e-Azadi memorial in Jalandhar on Thursday. Congress leaders, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders have attended the all-party meeting. Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Navjot Singh Sidhu were the first to arrive.
Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia said the Mann Government in Punjab had not only attacked Barjinder Singh Hamdard but also the freedom of the press. It is condemnable to target a person who has such a great contribution to Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat and who has been praised by the President himself and from Padma Vibhushan to Padma Shri.
Barjinder Singh, who created ‘Jung-e-Azadi’ to follow in the footsteps of the martyrs, was targeted because he was not following AAP’s line.
“First they sent messages that they should go with the government or else ve ready to face trouble again. When Barjinder Hamdard did not bow down before the government, Mann finally initiated a vigilance probe,” Majithia said.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said that an attempt is being made to weaken democracy by creating an emergency-like situation in Punjab.
He said that just like Bhagwant Mann, there are people like Kataruchak and Balkar Singh with him, those are involved in malpractices but AAP government has given them prime posts.
Meanwhile, all parties leaders oppose the summoning to Barjinder Hamdard and said that they would continue to stand against injustice done by the Punjab government.
HC gives relief to Hamdard
The High Court has ordered the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to give a seven-day notice before arresting Barjinder Singh Hamdard. Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj of the High Court gave these orders during the hearing.