Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The family of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has postponed the cremation of his grandmother, Charan Kaur, for three days while awaiting a decision on his parole request. The family wants the incarcerated parliamentarian to be allowed to attend her last rites on humanitarian grounds.
Charan Kaur, 87, died following a prolonged illness. Her death has prompted the family and members of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De to appeal to the authorities for Amritpal’s temporary release.
Confirming the decision to defer the cremation, his father, Tarsem Singh, said the family was waiting for the government’s response before deciding its next course of action. He also pointed out that other members of the family were behind bars, including his brother and Amritpal’s brother.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Waris Punjab De leaders is preparing to approach Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The representatives intend to seek his intervention in speeding up the parole process for Amritpal Singh and other imprisoned relatives so they can participate in the funeral ceremonies.
The issue has also drawn a reaction from Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, who questioned the government’s handling of the request. He argued that Amritpal is an elected Member of Parliament and should be given an opportunity to attend his grandmother’s final rites.
Drawing a comparison with the parole and furlough provisions granted to Dera Sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Ayali questioned why similar humanitarian considerations were not being extended to the jailed MP. He alleged that different standards were being applied to Sikh prisoners and other high-profile inmates.
Ayali further warned that the issue could have political repercussions, saying people in Punjab were closely observing the government’s response and that both the BJP and AAP could face consequences during elections.
Tarsem Singh also expressed disappointment over his son’s continued incarceration, recalling that Amritpal had previously sought permission to attend a Lok Sabha session to raise issues concerning his constituency.
He questioned the continued denial of temporary release, claiming that the NIA had stated that his son’s custody was no longer required. Describing the death as an emotionally difficult moment for the family, Tarsem appealed for permission to allow the MP to participate in his grandmother’s last rites.
The family is now awaiting the government’s decision during the three-day period for which the cremation has been deferred.
