SAMANA (PATIALA), Apr 24: Activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who had been sitting atop a 400-foot BSNL tower for around 560 days demanding stricter laws against sacrilege incidents in Punjab, was finally brought down on Friday morning, officials said.<\/p>\n
The protest, which began on October 12, 2024, in Samana near Patiala, came to an end after Khalsa climbed the tower demanding stringent punishment for the sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.<\/p>\n
He was brought down with the help of a coordinated team of fire personnel, police, and civil administration officials, using a specialised crane-lift, a fire official from Patiala said.<\/p>\n
After descending amid chants of \u2018Sikh Jaikara\u2019 and \u2018Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal\u2019, Khalsa was taken to a hospital in an ambulance for a medical check-up. His supporters welcomed him by showering flower petals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have won,\u201d the activist from Kheri Nagaian village in Patiala district said after coming down.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the Guru\u2019s grace, I have come down safely after 18 months and 12 days. I thank the Punjab government,\u201d Khalsa said, expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan for enacting an anti-sacrilege law.<\/p>\n
He also thanked the local administration for ensuring his safe descent. Khalsa ended his protest after the Punjab government notified the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which provides stricter punishment for sacrilege cases.<\/p>\n
The protest had drawn widespread attention across Punjab due to its unusual nature and the extreme conditions Khalsa endured over the months, including harsh winters and scorching summers.<\/p>\n
He survived atop the tower in a makeshift tarpaulin shelter and was supplied essentials using ropes.<\/p>\n
According to officials, the rescue operation involved firemen, police, and district administration staff, using safety equipment, chains, and a turntable ladder.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we had to reach a considerable height, we used a crane, safety belts, and ladder systems to bring him down safely,\u201d said Assistant Fire Officer Harinderpal Singh.<\/p>\n
Khalsa, a farmer by profession, had been demanding stronger legal provisions against sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib. The newly enacted law prescribes strict punishments, including imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, along with heavy fines for offences related to sacrilege and actions threatening communal harmony. (Agency)<\/p>\n\n