Chandigarh (December 06, 2013): As per certain media reports A spokesperson of the Punjab government today expressed concern over the health of S. Gurbaksh Singh and appealed to him to end his fast.
“But the demands being put forth by S. Gurbaksh Singh fell outside the jurisdiction of the state government of Punjab. The demands raised S. Gurbaksh Singh fell within the purview of different state governments, Union Territories and Govt. of India and required a consideration by them.”
The spokesperson, whose name is not mentioned in the news reported by various media sections, further said that a fast unto death “is not a solution to these issues. We need to work together to create an atmosphere congenial for resolving all these issues.”
As per news reports: [t]he spokesperson emphasized that nothing should be done to disturb the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state. Punjab had to pay a very heavy price in the past and “the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony that now prevails in the state has been won by Punjabis by making countless sacrifices. Nothing should be done to disturb this. We are all morally committed to make Punjab the most peaceful, harmonious and prosperous state in the country. Let’s all work peacefully, and democratically for the resolution of all the major issues agitating the minds of our people,” said the spokesperson.
It is notable that the Punjab government had unleashed it’s suppressive policies on Bhai Gurbaksh Singh who was arrested by Punjab police in a mid-night action that could be better termed as ‘abduction’ because the police personnel were with uniforms and many of them were in drunken condition who forcibly took away Bhai Gurbaksh Singh despite resistance from the Sikhs present on the site of ‘hunger protest’.
Earlier on December 05 the Punjab police under apparent directions from the Punjab government attempted to forcibly prevent a march from Akal Takht Sahib to Gurdwara Amb Sahib (Mohali). The march was aimed at extending support to Bhai Gurbaksh Singh in his struggle seeking release of certain Sikhs languishing in various jails in India despite serving the terms of their sentences.
It is notable that Punjab police has booked Bhai Gurbaksh Singh under 107/151 (preventive detention clauses of Cr. P. C.). He is currently lodged in Ropar Jail.
As per information Bhai Gurbaksh Singh is continuing his hunger strike protest / fast unto death that was started on November 14.
On the other hand another Sikh Damandeep Singh Khalsa has started hunger strike protest / fast unto death at Gurdwara Amb Sahib (Mohali) in wake of arrest of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.