Mega rally of Sikh groups seeking release of Sikh political prisoners today

Amb Sahib, Mohali (December 23, 2013): It is learnt that various Sikh groups shall be holding a large rally-cum-conference at Gurdwara Amb Sahib (Mohali) seeking release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in Indian jails despite serving their sentences.

The organizers of the Bandi Singhs Rihai Morcha have issued an appeal to all the Panthic groups/organizations, religious/ social/ political organizations, students’ bodies, Farmers’ unions, Gurdwara Committee, Bar Associations and Human rights bodies besides youth groups and the Sikh sangat to reach at Gurdwara Amb Sahib (Mohali), where a Haryana based Sikh Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa is holding fast unto death for last 40 days seeking release of 6 Sikh political prisoners namely – Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lal Singh, Wariam Singh and Gurdeep Singh Khaira.

It is notable that Lal Singh was granted temporary release (parole) from prison on Dec. 20, where has the parole of Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh has also been cleared. According to sources efforts are on secure release of Wariam Singh and Gurdeep Singh Khaira on parole or pre-mature release.

It may be recalled that Bhai Gurbaksh Singh is seeking permanent release of these Sikh prisoners and the grant of parole is just temporary release, but the government mediators are saying that the government shall pursue the cases of these Sikhs for permanent release during the terms of their parole. But in a recent statement Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal said that the “government has done, what could be done by it in this matter” and requested Bhai Gurbaksh Singh to end his hunger strike.

Meanwhile there are reports that three Sikh political prisoners confined in Burrail Jail – Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh – may be released from Burial jail this evening. It is notable that they are granted parole for 28 days.