Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

World

The Reasons Behind Bhagwant Mann's U-Turn On Chief Minister's Murder Convict Jagtar Singh Hawara

Supporting Jagtar Singh Hawara's parole could be an attempt to signal to Sikh voters that AAP is willing to engage with issues that have strong emotional resonance within sections of the community.

The Reasons Behind Bhagwant Mann's U-Turn On Chief Minister's Murder Convict Jagtar Singh Hawara

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has requested 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, the man serving life for the 1995 assassination of then-Chief Minister Beant Singh. This is the first time a sitting Punjab chief minister has sought parole for a convict involved in a former CM's assassination. The 10-day parole is being sought to allow Hawara to be with his ailing mother, whose health has deteriorated due to old age.

The request was made in a letter to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh. The matter was brought to the Governor’s attention after a petition was filed by Hawara in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court had directed authorities to consider the plea in a timely manner. Hawara, associated with the Babbar Khalsa International, was appointed a Jathedar of the Akal Takht by a Sarbat Khalsa in 2015, a decision not recognized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

The move by Mann carries political significance, as the demand for the release of "Bandi Singhs" (Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain in jail) is being raised by Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), led by jailed MP Amritpal Singh.

Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at ndtv.com →

More in World

The Arctic shipping route, opened due to the climate crisis, is expected to become a contested area among major powers, including the United States, China, and Russia. The Northern Sea Route, which runs along the northern coast of Russia, and the Northwest Passage, located in the Canadian Arctic, have long been considered impassable due to the harsh Arctic environment. However, as global warming continues to accelerate, sea ice in the Arctic Ocean has begun to melt, making it possible for ships to navigate these routes. The melting of the Arctic ice has sparked a new race among nations to secure a foothold in the region. Russia, which has the longest coastline in the Arctic, has been actively developing its infrastructure and has already begun to use the Northern Sea Route for commercial shipping. China, which has been investing heavily in the Arctic region, has also expressed interest in using the Northern Sea Route, and has sent several research vessels and icebreakers to the region. The United States has also been paying close attention to the Arctic region, and has announced plans to increase its presence in the region. As the three major powers increase their presence in the Arctic, the region is becoming a new area of competition and tension. The Arctic region is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, and is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. The opening of the Arctic shipping route is expected to have a significant impact on global trade and the environment. The route could potentially cut shipping times and costs, and could also provide a new route for the transportation of goods between Europe and Asia. However, there are also concerns about the potential environmental impact of increased shipping activity in the Arctic. The Arctic region is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and increased shipping activity could lead to increased pollution and disruption to the region's fragile ecosystem. The three major powers have a responsibility to ensure that their activities in the Arctic are sustainable and environmentally friendly. It remains to be seen how the competition for influence in the Arctic will play out, but one thing is certain: the Arctic region will play an increasingly important role in global affairs in the years to come.

  • The Arctic passage now faces potential military clash between US, China, Russia
  • Climate crisis intensifies geopolitical tensions in the Arctic
  • US consulate in Nuuk, China's land acquisitions, Russia's Svalbard coal mine

More from Saturday 8 August →