Tower of Resolve: Activist's Sacrificial Stand Yields Historic Law
Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, an activist, concluded his 560-day protest from a 400-foot tower, advocating for a stricter anti-sacrilege law in Punjab. His perseverance led to a new law imposing harsher penalties for sacrilege, enacted by the government. Khalsa's protest caught statewide attention and ended successfully with significant law enforcement gains.
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In a dramatic end to an unparalleled protest, activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who spent 560 days atop a 400-foot BSNL tower to demand stricter anti-sacrilege laws, was safely brought down this Friday. The protest, which began in October 2024, shone a spotlight on calls for stringent laws against the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Officials, including firemen and police, executed a careful extraction operation using a crane-lift to bring Khalsa down. His descent was met with cheers of 'Chardi Kala' and 'Sat Sri Akal' from supporters. The protest successfully culminated with the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, punishing sacrilege with up to life imprisonment.
Khalsa expressed gratitude towards Punjab's officials, including the Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker, for passing the law. Despite enduring harsh conditions and health challenges during his protest, Khalsa stayed steadfast, urging the need for a fear of law to deter sacrilege. The activist's mother voiced pride in her son's resolve, as the community celebrated the protest's successful conclusion.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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