Amritsar: A campaign seeking release of arrested and detained by Punjab police Scottish citizen ihas also triggered response in Punjab. Around three dozen youth held a peaceful demonstration in Amritsar seeking release of Jagtar Singh Johal.
A view of demonstration held at Amritsar on November 15, 2017
Holding placards seeking release of Jagtar Singh Johal near the statue of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh at fountain chowk in Amritsar. The protesters also offered pamphelts to foreigners who showed interest in the matter. The demonstration was totally peaceful and lasted for around 30 minutes.
Another view of demonstration held at Amritsar on November 15, 2017
Notably, Sikh diaspora section, especially the Sikh diaspora is holding a public awareness and political campaign to spread awareness about arrest and detention of UK citizen by Punjab and also to press British authorities to ensure due procedure and his release. The campaign has grown stronger after Jagtar Singh Johal’s lawyer claimed that he was tortured in custody by the Punjab police. After meeting Jagtar Singh Johal @ Jaggi during a court appearance at Baghapurana on Nov 14, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur said that Jaggi told him that he was tortured by the police in custody. Jaggi’s lawyer has moved an application before the court seeking medical examination of his client by a medical board comprising at least 3 medical experts. The court has issued noticed to the state government in this regard and next hearing of the matter is on November 17.
The Punjab CM and police chief had held a press conference after Jagtar Singh Jaggi’s arrest claiming that with his arrest, along with others, various high profile killing cases were solved. Kharar MLA and former journalist Kanwar Sandhu has expressed doubt over police claims about Jagtar Singh Jaggi’s involvement in these cases.
WITH INPUTS of NARINDERPAL SINGH from AMRITSAR.