Sikhs urge government to repeal Beant Singh killer Rajoana's death sentence

Amritsar, Mar.28 (ANI): Sikhs participated in a protest here on Wednesday and urged the government to repeal the death sentence awarded to Balwant Singh Rajoana, a co-accused in the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh on August 31,1995.

Devotees also joined the protest, carrying flags and urged the federal government to revoke the death sentence of Rajoana.

The Akal Takht had asked Sikh men to wear saffron-coloured turbans and women to wear same coloured shawls across the country as a mark of protest.

"This saffron-coloured turban is worn as the supreme Sikh body Akal Takht had called for a protest saying all those who sympathise with Balwant Singh Rajoana (assassin of former state chief, Beant Singh) should wear this turban and women should wear saffron-coloured shawls," said Jasbir Singh, a devotee.

Both men and women were seen clad in saffron coloured clothes as they expressed their anger against the death penalty that was awarded to Rajoana.

"We have orders from supreme Sikh body Akal Takht that the men should wear saffron-coloured turbans and women should wear the same coloured shawls. We urge the government to withdraw its decision," said Amrit Singh Sodhi, a devotee.

In Amritsar, Sikhs offered special prayers for the safe release of Rajoana at the Golden Temple.

Rajoana is to be executed on March 31 at the Central Jail in Patiala.

Meanwhile, the Akal Takht, had also appealed to people of all faiths to suspend their business on March 28 and join the Sikhs in their protest.

Beant Singh was assassinated in a car bomb on August 31, 1995 in Chandigarh. Eleven other persons, including three members of his security staff, were also killed.

A separatist group, Babbar Khalsa, had then claimed responsibility for the assassination, but authorities expressed apprehension over their claim.

Beant Singh was lauded for restoring peace in Punjab in 1992 after suppressing separatist groups and their activities. (ANI)