Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the establishment of Anandpur Sahib marked the spread of message of peace and universal brotherhood besides the need to stand up to tyranny and injustice.
Addressing a gathering here to mark the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the city, Sukhbir said Punjabis had always acted in the path shown by the great gurus and that they had remained forerunners in all struggles whether against the Mughals, British regime or the fight for Sikh causes.
Describing Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as the second oldest political party in the country, he said it had always fought for the interests and rights of farmers, labourers and deprived sections of the society.
He said Punjabis had more than 80 percent contribution in independence struggle besides being awarded the maximum sentences, including imprisonment at the cellular jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He also lauded Punjabi fraternity for contributing more than 60 percent food grains in the national food kitty despite constituting only two percent of entire population of the country.
He lamented that despite excellent performance and immense contribution in various fields besides protecting the international borders, Punjab did not get its due recognition from previous regimes.
Seeking expeditious trials, justice and relief to the victims of 1984 Sikh riots, he said since last 30 years Sikhs have been waiting for justice with their wounds were still simmering.
He appealed to the NDA Government to ensure justice to Sikhs as well as Punjab. He also sought that the legitimate issues pertaining to Punjab should be resolved at the earliest with the due consultation of all stakeholders.
