UTTAR PRADESH, India—While the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a relief package of Rs. 500,000 for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms, there have been no updates on the release of Bhai Waryam Singh or his transfer to a jail in Punjab. Bhai Waryam Singh is a Sikh prisoner who has been lodged in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit Jail for over 24 years. His life sentence was complete a decade ago, however he is yet to be released.
Sikh24 has learned that there were discussions going on two years ago about his transfer to Punjab. Waryam Singh is staying in an isolated confinement, and he need urgent assistance for mental depression, as well as physical health conditions.
Waryam Singh’s family is living in a very poor condition. They have no means of traveling and hence are unable to meet with him on a regular basis. Waryam Singh also lacks access to basis day to day necessities because his family is unable to provide for them.
In regards to the compensation package, additional amount was declared as per the recommendations of the Nanavati Commission. During the 1984 Government planned massacre of Sikhs across India, a large number of Sikhs were left dead and their properties were burnt by mobs.
A USA based Sikh activist is now campaigning for the release of Bhai Waryam Singh from Uttar Pradesh. Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, is currently confined at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital, where he is on hunger strike since January 16.
