punjab-cm-mann-slams-badal-s-apology-for-2015-sacrilege

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal's plea for "unconditional forgiveness" over the 2015 sacrilege incidents, stating that an apology is for mistakes, not crimes.

 

"After some reporters asked about it, I said an apology is for mistakes, not for crimes. There is punishment for crimes. You committed crimes," said Mann without taking anybody's name.

 

Addressing a gathering, Mann asserted that his government is collecting new evidence in the 2015 incidents and promised exemplary punishment for the guilty. He attacked Badal, saying some people are seeking forgiveness for crimes, not mistakes.

 

Mann's comments come after Badal sought forgiveness for "all mistakes" committed during his party's rule in Punjab. The 2015 incidents involved the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, and Mann's government is gathering fresh evidence, including new documents and testimonies from previously silent individuals.

 

Referring to the 2015 sacrilege cases, Mann said, "We are collecting new evidence in the matter. Some people, who were earlier not speaking, have come forward now. We are getting fresh documents. Everybody has pain (about sacrilege incidents). Punishment must be given for this. In few days, we will have some fresh documents. One cannot think that people can stoop to such a level (committing sacrilege)".

 

The Chief Minister also took a dig at rebel Akali leaders, who remained silent for eight years before speaking out against Badal. The sacrilege incidents, which occurred in Faridkot in 2015, included theft of a 'bir' (copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, posting of handwritten sacrilegious posters, and torn pages of the holy book found scattered at Bargari.

 

Two persons were killed and several injured in police firing during anti-sacrilege protests in Faridkot. Badal's letter seeking forgiveness was submitted to the Akal Takht jathedar on July 24, following accusations by rebel SAD leaders.

 

"Now other (rebels) group is saying they committed a mistake as they could not raise their voice. It is an eight-year-old incident. What does it mean they could not speak," he asked.