AJITGARH, Mohali, Punjab—Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa who has been on hunger strike since November paid homage at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib earlier today after the conclusion of a 24 hour hymn recital by the Akhand Kirtani Jatha at Gurdwara Amb Sahib. Bhai Sahib had expressed his desire to visit Takht Sahib ever since being released from Ropar Jail. Considering his deteriorating health, Sikh congregations made plans to travel to Anandpur Sahib and a number of people accompanied him there.
While some eminent personalities also went along with Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, a number of Panthik and Sant Samaj leaders remained missing. Those that did attend include Justice A.S. Bains (Retired), S. Harpal Singh Cheema, Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, Sikh Student Federation (Bhindrawale) and Bhai Amrik Singh (Damdami Taksal, Ajnala).
In a press note, the Nirvail Khalsa Dal mentioned, “Baba Ranjit Singh Khalsa Dhadrianwale, who has been supporting Bhai Gurbaksh Singh’s cause, reached Gurdwara Amb Sahib in the morning to give him best wishes and extend support for Bhai Sahib’s [pilgrimage] to Anandpur Sahib. Baba Ranjit Singh Khalsa has also sent a number of Singhs from their [group] with Bhai Gurbaksh Singh to Anandpur Sahib, whilst a large number have been staying at Gurdwara Amb Sahib for support and security. During an interview with UK’s Sangat Television, the Sikh preacher sent a strong message to the authorities and Sikh masses.”
During the visit to Anandpur Sahib, Bhai Damandeep Singh again went on hunger strike and continued to raise awareness of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh’s mission. He had earlier continued a 4 day long hunger strike when Bhai Gurbaksh Singh was kidnapped by the city police. Sikhs from Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale’s [group] continued to guard Gurdwara Amb Sahib today.
Bhai Gurbaksh Singh is trying to bring awareness towards the plight of Sikhs illegally detained in jails across India. He has received support from a number of Sikh organizations, however to the dismay of the Sikh community; Sikh leadership has not expressed much support.
Incidentally, it is also Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s 49th birthday today. His hunger strike has entered Day 28 at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali. Bhai Sahib has lost a lot of weight but he is in rising spirits. He continues to meet with Sikh congregations and deliver speeches whenever possible.
