SAD seeks defence academy in Anandpur Sahib

New Delhi: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Tuesday demanded that the Centre set up a defence academy at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.

A delegation of Akali Dal leaders, led by Rajya Sabha MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, put forth the demand before Home Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting in his office.

Rajya Sabha MP Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Lok Sabha MP Prem Sungh Chandumajra and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Manjit Singh G K were part of the delegation.

SAD spokesperson Prem Singh Chandumajra said the delegation impressed upon Singh to set up the defence academy at Sri Anandpur Sahib to impart training to youths aspiring to join armed forces.

The SAD asked Singh to immediately release Rs 100 crore earmarked by the Government of India for celebrations of 350th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji to Punjab and Bihar.

The delegation also sought intervention of Singh to restore the process of electing two Sikh MPs to the management board of Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded.

The leaders also brought the issues related to Sikhs residing in Jammu and Kashmir into the notice of the Home Minister and demanded their permanent solution.