Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 25

The Centre has lifted the ban on more than 100 Sikhs, blacklisted after the outbreak of militancy in Punjab, and they can now travel to India, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here today.

“The Sikh community had long been demanding revision of the black list. The process to further revise the list will continue,” he said at an event organised by the RSS-affiliated Rashtriya Sikh Sangat to mark the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.

The blacklisted NRI Sikhs are barred from travelling to India due to their alleged ties with Khalistan movement in the 80s and 90s. The list was prepared by security agencies.

“The BJP-led NDA government has always been sensitive to the demands of Sikhs, including justice for the victims of 1984 riots in Delhi,” Rajnath said.

The minister said that after assuming the power, the Centre had formed an SIT to investigate the matter. “Chargesheets have been filed in some cases, while some other cases are being investigated.”

Paying tributes to the Guru, Rajnath said: “Guru Gobind protected the country’s honour and culture. His ideals and legacy will continue to strengthen the country.”

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who was the chief guest, said Guru Gobind Singh’s contribution was a culmination of contribution by preceding Gurus in the context of political and social milieu during the invasion of Babar.

Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh, who the RSS claimed would preside over the function, skipped the programme.

Heads of Nirmal and Namdahari sects, and leaders of other sects and faiths participated in the event. Union Ministers Hardeep Puri, Piyush Goyal, Harshvardhan and Vijay Sampla, and BJP leader Subaramanium Swamy also attended the programme.