Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday and sought his intervention to give Jagtar Singh Hawara a 10-day parole on humanitarian grounds, as Hawara's elderly mother is in a state of crisis.
Mann said Hawara’s mother is suffering from age-related health issues and is currently semi-conscious. As a result, she has some new hope in meeting her son after several decades, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister asked the Governor to take the request at the earliest time, arguing the situation is a humanitarian concern, with the mother’s condition deteriorating.
Mann told the meeting that Hawara has been in jail for 31 years and his elderly mother’s condition has made the request for temporary parole more urgent.
“The matter requires the Governor’s recommendation as the case is being heard in Delhi,” Mann said, explaining why he’d intervene in the matter.
Mann also assured the Governor that the Punjab government would take complete responsibility for maintaining law and order if Hawara is granted parole and allowed to visit his home.
Mann cites humanitarian grounds
Mann, who made a humanitarian appeal to the parole board for consideration of the request, said Hawara’s mother is old and suffering from serious age-related health issues.
He said her condition has deteriorated to the extent that she is currently semi-conscious, making a meeting with her son particularly important for the family.
The Chief Minister said he had requested the Governor to consider granting 10 days of parole so Hawara could meet his mother.
Mann also pointed out that the Governor, in his capacity as Administrator of Chandigarh, has a role in the matter and that the recommendation is necessary for a decision.
He urged the Governor to take a decision at the earliest with regard to the humanitarian situation and the health condition of Hawara’s mother.
Punjab government assures law and order
A key part of the Chief Minister’s request was the assurance that the proposed parole would not compromise the law and order situation in Punjab.
Mann said the state government would take full responsibility for maintaining peace and security during Hawara’s proposed visit.
"The state government takes full guarantee for the law and order situation in the wake of Jagtar Singh Hawara’s visit to his home,” Mann said.
According to the Chief Minister, Hawara’s supporters and family members have also assured the government of their cooperation.
Mann said the government is committed to maintaining peace in Punjab and would take all necessary measures to ensure that the proposed parole does not affect the law and order situation.
CM seeks Centre’s cooperation
Mann also said that the Punjab government would provide full support and cooperation in pursuing the matter with the Centre.
He said the government is committed to maintaining law and order and also to the humanitarian circumstances surrounding Hawara’s mother’s health.
"No stone will be left unturned for this noble cause," Mann said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to maintaining peace in the state.
The Chief Minister also assured the Governor of the state government’s full support and cooperation in taking up the matter with the central government.
The parole request will now depend on the competent authorities and the appropriate legal and administrative process. The request is being made in light of Hawara’s long prison sentence and what is reported to be a deterioration of his mother’s health.
For now, the Punjab government has sought a 10-day parole period for Hawara to meet his ailing mother on humanitarian grounds.
