Ludhaina: Former Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh today met Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, who is on continuous hunger strike since January 16, 2015. Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh met Bapu Surat Singh at Civil Hospital Ludhiana where is kept under observation by the police, though he is not taking any medical aid or medicine.
Jathedar Nanadgarh, who was accompanied by Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satikar Sabha, inquired about health condition of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa. He also extended his support to Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s struggle.
It may be recalled that Bapu Surat Singh (82) is on continuous hunger strike since January 16. He is demanding release of Sikh political prisoners who have already completed minimum mandatory terms of their sentences. Earlier another Sikh activist Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa had twice started “fast unto death” seeking release of these prisoners, but he ended his fast at one pretext or the other.
Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa says that he is determined to end his life if the government fails to respond to his call. “I am determined that I will not end my hunger-strike in any case unless the government releases the concerned Sikh political prisoners. It’s not only an issue of release of Sikh political prisoners, it’s also an issue of sanctity of Ardas of a Sikh”, Bapu Surat Singh has repeatedly declared.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the police is pressing Bapu Surat Singh to end his hunger strike. His family members have also alleged police pressure to convince Bapu Surat Singh to end his fast.