Longowal death anniv: Govt, SAD to hold separate functions

SANGRUR The state government and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will hold two separate functions to commemorate the 32nd death anniversary of SAD’s former president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal on August 20 (Sunday).

The government’s function will be held at the grain market in Longowal village — preparations for it are almost complete — with the SAD holding its function 1.5km away at Shaheed Bhai Diala Ji Senior Secondary Public School, Longowal. Longowal was assassinated on August 20, 1985, at Sherpur in Sangrur.

For the past ten years, when it was in power, the SAD has been holding separate functions in the memory of its ex-president.

At the state’s function, Punjab health minister Brahm Mohindra and state’s minister of welfare of scheduled castes and backward classes Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and the local leadership are expected to attend.

Sangrur DC Amar Partap Singh Virk held meetings of officers regarding preparations for the state level function.

“The administration has made all arrangements for the function and officials of different departments have been asked to coordinate,” said DC Virk.

At the SAD function, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and SAD President and former deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal will attend the function along with Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Lehra MLA and state leadership of the Punjab BJP.

“The SAD is going to hold a separate function to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Sant Longowal. SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal, party president Sukhbir Singh Badal along with state BJP leadership will attend the function,” said the organiser of the function, former SAD MLA Gobind Singh Longowal.