Here in UK we are lucky that we have 2 Sikh Channels. We have had coverage direct from Akal Takht today. I am pleased to say many sangat and leaders have turned up at sri Darbar Sahib and sangat is filled with with emotion and 100% behind babber sher bhai Balwant Singh ji Rajoana.
Many sangat are even suggesting that bhai Balwant Singh ji be given Jathedari since current Jathedar is not up to the task.
Many leaders have gone to Akal Takht to give written/verbal suggestions including Jathedar Bakhish Singh ji AKJ, Sant Samaj including Harnam Singh Dhumma and Jasbir Singh Rode, Bhai Baljit Singh ji Daduwale, bhai Ranjit Singh ji Dhadrian, bhai Mokham Singh Damdami Taksal and Jathedar Ram Singh ji Damami Taksal.
I was first of view that we should accept wish of bhai Balwant Singh ji - to be hanged. However I have changed my view after listening to views of sangat. Overwhelming view of sangat and leaders is that we do not want mercy/appeal for bhai Balwant Singh ji but we as Sikh Panth we want justice. Since bhai sahib was involved in the death of dusht Beant Singh responsible for deaths of many innocent people, bhai Balwant Singh deserves to be freed from prison. Bhai sahib is innocent, he did service to humanity by removing an evil person like Beant Singh, bhai sahib has already served 17 years in jail and should be released.
The view of many of the leaders is that we need to get justice for bhai sahib and that we need a strong statement from Akal Takht Jathedar. Even Sant Samaj were appealing for Badal to take this issue to the Central Government.
Also outside of Akal Takht many Singh's were gathered outside of Akal Takht doing naare for bhai Balwant Singh ji, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Khalistan Zindabaad etc. Also when one Singh suggested bhai Balwant Singh ji be made Jathedar all Singh's were in favour.
The situation in Panjab has changed, all panth is united behind bhai Balwant Singh. Only problem in Panjab is that media is controlled by sarkar therefore still many people are not aware of what is going on. However due to diwans/speeches by leaders like bhai Ranjit Singh and bhai Baljit Singh awareness is being created.
We do not seek mercy/appeal for bhai Balwant Singh ji but justice.