Advocates Special Provision Under Article 371 for Punjab, and Emphasizes Autonomy of SGPC”
Chandigarh : Misl Satluj, a socio-political outfit today coming down heavily on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), said the party had lost its relevance. Misl Satluj leaders stressed that the outfit endeavours to revive the principles of the Akali movement, advocate for Punjab’s rights, and tackle socio-economic challenges with a comprehensive agenda.
Ajaypal Singh Brar, President of Misl Satluj while addressing the media at Chandigarh Press Club here said, “Since 1947, Punjab has endured persecution and discrimination at the hands of the central government, with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) initially championing Punjab’s rights but losing relevance due to personal greed and subsequent decline in the moral fabric of its leadership over time.”
“Today, there’s a glaring absence of political representation for Sikhs and Punjab’s interests. Misl Satluj aims to reclaim the original ethos of the Akali movement by liberating SADfrom clutches of private corporate stranglehold and rejuvenating it so that it can return to its old self wherein it was known for advocating for Punjab’s rights nationally and was pride of the community. Misl Satluj seeks to liberate, reclaim and rejuvenate SAD by getting it rid of the present leadership”, he said, adding today Punjabis in general and Sikhs in specific yearn for a Shiromani Akali Dal of 1920 to 1974, the yearning which Misl Satluj is committed to fulfil.
Devinder Singh Sekhon, another senior leader of Misl Satluj said, “Misl Satluj’s program focuses on two key objectives: liberating SAD from private corporate stranglehold and pushing for the realization of the aims and objectives unanimously adopted by SAD in 1974. We propose redefining Punjab’s relationship with the central government, advocating for special provisions and more rights under Article 371 of the constitution and emphasizing financial reconstruction through special category status and increased central grants for Punjab”.
Misl Satluj’s agenda includes agricultural and industrial reforms, educational enhancements, environmental protection, and addressing social issues like intoxicants and wealth redistribution. Additionally, Misl Satluj stresses the importance of opening trade from border areas to boost economic growth and proposes a complete ban on tobacco products in Punjab, the land of Gurus.
Misl Satluj also emphasizes on autonomy of Sikh religious institutions especially SGPC. Misl Satluj strongly opposes the central and state governments frequent interference in Sikh religious affairs and seeks law to prevent it, he said.
Misl Satluj’s action plan involves raising awareness, legal action, national-level advocacy, and eventual participation in the electoral process. Their flat organizational structure and tech-driven approach ensure efficient communication, free flow of ideas exchange and consensual decision making.
Singh stressed on the fact that Punjab in general and Sikhs in particular have made major contributions in the struggle for independence. Even in present times Punjab makes a major contribution in providing defence personnel and food grain security to India. He added, jobs should be reserved for Sikhs in government and semi-government sector, only a Punjabi native should be registered as a voter of Punjab, and only Punjabi’s should be allowed to buy agricultural land.
Misl Satluj also brought up several issues related to the Sikhs, including, autonomy of SGPC, declaration of Sikhism as a separate religion, Sikhs in other states be given nomination in parliament and state legislature through Article 331, 333, and Sikhs living overseas should be co-opted in SGPC board.
Among others present on the occasion were, Gursewak Singh Chahal, Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu, Hardeep Singh Doad, Tejwinder Singh Mangat, Rajpal Singh Sandhu, Pardeep Singh and Bibi Jasmit Kaur Chinna.
