Breaking: ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ slogans raised in Amritsar during SAD (Amritsar) march
Simranjit Singh Mann Questions Delay in SGPC Elections, Says Non-Conduct for 15 Years Is ‘Erosion of Democracy’
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), September 15, 2026: Slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad” were raised during a programme organised by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) on Heritage Street in Amritsar on Tuesday to mark Democracy Day.
Party president Simranjit Singh Mann addressed the gathering and raised several political and religious issues, including the delay in elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Mann alleged that SGPC elections, which are expected to be held every five years, have not been conducted for around 15 years. He accused the BJP-led Central government and the Badal family of undermining the democratic process.
Referring to the events of 1984, Mann said the foundation for the demand for Khalistan was laid after attacks on the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras.
He also criticised the Agniveer recruitment scheme, saying Sikh youth were not in favour of the four-year service arrangement. He raised questions about India’s defence technology and dependence on foreign countries.
On international affairs, Mann spoke about groupings such as BRICS and the Quad and made allegations regarding the sharing of confidential information with Russia and China. He also said the United States should remove India from the Quad.
Mann further referred to areas of Ladakh and claimed that territories conquered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Lahore Darbar in 1834 should be handed over to Sikhs and declared part of Khalistan.
He also called for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and resumption of trade through the Wagah border. Questioning the continued Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir, Mann asked why the Kartarpur corridor could not similarly be reopened.
He claimed that opening trade through the Wagah border could provide Punjab farmers with better prices for their produce and help protect them from debt and farm-related suicides.
Organisers said the protest march would proceed towards the Golden Temple, where a memorandum would be submitted to the SGPC, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Head Granthi and other concerned representatives.