The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will organise ardas programmes at historic gurdwaras and its educational institutions on August 29, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners or Bandi Singhs, who remain jailed despite having completed their sentences.As part of the programme, Akhand Path will be initiated at all historic gurdwaras under the SGPC on August 27, with bhog scheduled for 10 am on August 29, followed by ardas. At SGPC-run schools and colleges, Sri Sukhmani Sahib path will be held at 10 am on August 29, followed by a collective ardas.SGPC secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan said the decision was taken unanimously at a recent meeting of the executive committee chaired by SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Letters have been issued to all gurdwaras and educational institutions regarding the programmes.Kahlwan appealed to Sikh community, Sikh organisations and religious institutions in India and abroad to organise ardas programmes on August 29 for the release and well-being of the Bandi Singhs.He said the issue was not merely about the release of a few individuals but was linked to justice, human rights and equal application of the law. Keeping prisoners incarcerated for decades even after they have completed their sentences was causing prolonged suffering to their families, he said.Kahlwan said the SGPC had been raising the issue through constitutional and democratic means for a long time. Referring to the case of Jagtar Singh Hawara, he said the SGPC was pursuing his parole so that he could attend to his seriously ill mother.Kahlwan also criticised the governments’ approach in the case of Balwant Singh Rajoana and urged them to take steps for the release of Bandi Singhs.