The hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana, assassin of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, has been stayed by the Centre following a mercy petition to the President of India. Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal met President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil yesterday in connection with the mercy petition. Home Ministry sources said that the hanging, which was scheduled to be carried out on Saturday, has been stayed following a petition filed by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee.
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress hailed the decision of the UPA government to stay the execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana. It said the decision will go a long way in maintaining and safeguarding the hard earned peace in Punjab. Beant Singh's family also welcomed the move in the interest of peace and harmony in the state.