Seeking release of Sikhs from Indian jails – 16 days of fast unto death: Governments fail to take notice

Ajitgarh, Punjab (November 29, 2013): Bhai Gurbax Singh’s hunger strike has completed 16 days, while there is no response from the concerned governments so far as the matter of release of those Sikh prisoners is concerned, who have already completed the terms of their sentences.

It is notable that Bhai Gurbax Singh is seeking release of Bhai Gurmit Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lakhwinder Singh (who are confined in Burrail Jail, Chandigarh since 1995), Bhai Lal Singh (who was arrested in 1992 by Gujrat police and is currently confined in Maximum security jail Nabha) and Bhai Gurdip Singh (who is confined in Gurbarg Jail of Karnataka for last 23 years). These persons have serve their terms of sentence but were not being released by respective state governments.

S. Simranjit Singh Mann, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has said that Punjab and central governments shall be responsible for any loss to Bhai Gurbax Singh.

Sikh representatives at G. Amb Sahib (Ajitgarh) [November 29, 2013]

Meanwhile in a show of solidarity with Bhai Gurbakash Singh various Sikhs bodies supported his cause on November 29 and declared that their representative will also sit with him for hunger strike for one day on December 2 at Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Ajitgarh.

The representatives of Dal Khalsa, Akali Dal Panch Pardhani, Sikh Youth of Punjab, Khalsa Panchayat, Akali Dal Amritsar are regularly visiting Bhai Gurbax Singh, to express their solidarity with him and also inquire about his well-being.

Many other Sikh organizations and Human Rights bodies have supported Bhai Gurbax Singh’s struggle.

It is notable that a Jatha of Sikh women had visited Akal Takht Sahib on November 25, 2013 to tender a memorandum to Jathedar Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh seeking his help to secure the release of concerned Sikh prisoners. Giani Gurbachan Singh, who had visited Bhai Guabax Singh along with SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar in early days of hunger strike, has failed to take any steps regarding concerns raised by Bhai Gurbax Singh.