Centre to take decision on Governor’s recommendation

Chandigarh, 12 August (H.S.): The issue of parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, has gained momentum. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and urged him to recommend 10 days’ parole for Hawara on humanitarian grounds.The Chief Minister said that after 31 years, Hawara’s ailing mother has once again hoped to meet her son. He said the Governor’s recommendation is required in the matter as the case is being heard in Delhi, following which the Central Government will take a decision.Mann said that Jagtar Singh Hawara has been in jail for the past 31 years. His mother is elderly, suffering from age-related health issues and is currently in a semi-conscious condition. Keeping her deteriorating health in view, the Chief Minister requested the Governor to sympathetically consider recommending 10 days’ parole for Hawara at the earliest so that he can meet his mother.Mann assured the Governor that if Hawara is granted parole, the Punjab Government will take full responsibility for maintaining law and order and ensuring that there is no adverse impact on the peaceful atmosphere in the state.The Chief Minister said the state government is fully committed to maintaining law and order and protecting the hard-earned peace in Punjab. He added that Hawara’s supporters and family members have also assured the government of their full cooperation during his parole.Mann further assured the Governor that the Punjab Government would extend full cooperation in taking up the matter with the Central Government and would leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and law and order in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH