AMRITSAR: The officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, met with the families affected by the 2017 Maur Mandi bomb blast. These families are still waiting for justice for their children and loved ones who lost their lives in this terrorist attack.
During the meeting, the affected families shared detailed accounts of the incident with Jathedar Gargajj. They recounted how, on January 31, 2017, a bomb blast occurred during a political rally in their neighborhood, killing seven people, including five children. The families said their children were playing nearby when the explosion happened close to the political rally, making them victims of politics.
This terrorist attack claimed the lives of Maur Mandi residents Ankush Singla, Japsimran Singh, Varkha Rani, Ripandeep Singh, Sourav Singla, Ashok Kumar, and Harpal Singh. The families informed the Jathedar that despite their long struggle for justice, they have not received it yet.
Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj questioned the Punjab government on why, to this day, it has not been able to apprehend those responsible for the attack. He emphasized that it is the fundamental right of the affected families to receive justice.
He stated that Punjab has a rich cultural heritage rooted in fairness and social values, which is why crime rates here are lower than in other states. However, the biggest problem Punjab faces is a justice system that fails to deliver.
The affected families of the Maur Mandi bomb blast are a prime example of this failure—they have been waiting since 2017 for the perpetrators to be punished, yet no arrests have been made.
Jathedar Gargajj expressed concern that instead of delivering justice, the government appears to be shielding the terrorists involved in the attack.
He questioned whether the affected families are not citizens of this country and when they will receive justice?
He further stated that the perpetrators of this attack are living comfortably under government protection. He warned that if the families take matters into their own hands to seek justice, the same government system will brand them as terrorists and imprison them for decades.
Jathedar Gargajj urged justice-loving people from all faiths to raise their voices in support of the Maur Mandi bomb blast victims.
He highlighted that investigation reports clearly indicate that the vehicle used in the bombing was prepared at a Dera Sirsa establishment, yet the culprits are being protected. He reaffirmed that Sri Akal Takht Sahib has always stood for the oppressed and will continue to support these families in any way necessary.
He also criticised political parties for their insensitivity toward the issue, pointing out that no party has made serious efforts to ensure justice for the victims. He warned political leaders that India’s system is now beginning to challenge even political parties, making it crucial for them to take a stand.
Jathedar Gargajj strongly urged the government to immediately arrest those responsible for the attack, regardless of their location. He emphasized that while governments speak of constitutional rights, every citizen deserves justice under the Indian Constitution. He declared that until justice is served to the affected families, the entire Sikh Panth and Punjab will continue to raise their voices in support of them.