Longowal (Sangrur): Describing Sant Harchand Singh Longowal as a ‘crusader of peace’, the Forest Minister Punjab Sadhu Singh Dharmsot today said that Sant Longowal laid down his life for the sake of unity and integrity of the nation.

 Addressing the gathering during state level function to mark the martyrdom day of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal here today, the Minister said that supreme sacrifice made Sant Longowal would be ever remembered by one and all. 

He said that during the black days in the state when bloodshed was the order of the day Sant Longwal inked the Rajiv-Longowal accord to restore peace, communal harmony and amity in the state. However, Mr. Dharmsot said that the forces inimical to the peace and progress of the state gunned down Sant Longowal to foil this attempt to big normalcy in the state.

Training his guns against the Akalis, the Minister said that the Shiromani Akali Dal has always done politics over the issue of martyrdom of Sant Longowal. He said that the Akali leadership has always gave preference to its political interests and Sant Longowal’s supreme sacrifice was deliberately undermined by the Badals, which was a grave insult of this great crusader of peace and brotherhood. 

Dharmsot said that instead of recognizing the great contribution of Sant Longowal for the sake of the country and state, the Badals have always gave preference to their vested political interests.

The Minister said that due to apathy of Badals, Longowal town has lagged behind in the process of development during the last one decade of their misrule. However, he said that the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was committed for the holistic development of this town. Dharmsot said that he would soon apprise the Chief Minister about the need for pumping in more resources to ensure overall development of Longowal.

Earlier, MLAs Vijay Inder Singla and Mr. Dalvir Singh Goldy, Congress leader Daman Thind and others also paid floral tributes to Sant Longowal.

Later on interacting with the media persons Dharmsot said that the desecration of holy Quran Sharif in Malerkotla town was an unfortunate incident. He said that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be soon put behind the bars by the state government.  

Replying to another the Minister said that the state government was committed to ensure the well being of underprivileged and weaker sections of the society. He said that Rs 700 crore scam regarding SC scholarship scheme during the previous SAD-BJP alliance government would be exposed very soon.