JALANDHAR, Punjab—Various Sikh political parties and organizations including Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, United Akali Dal and Sikh Youth of Punjab, on Saturday held a March in support of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa who is on hunger strike since Jan 16 for the permanent release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various jails of India despite completion of their terms.
The demonstration started from Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvi and concluded at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Mission Chowk after passing through various localities of the city. The March was led by Akali Dal (PP) president Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind, Dal Khalsa leader Manjinder Singh Jandi and United Akali Dal leader Gurdeep Singh Bathinda jointly.
From Sikh Talmel Committee Jalandhar, Tejinder Singh Pardesi, Harpreet Singh Neetu, Gurjit Singh Satnamia and Baldeep Kaur Khalsa took part in the procession.
The Sikh activists distributed copies of letter seeking release of Sikh prisoners written by Bapu Surat Singh to Prime minister of India. Sikh youths were seen carrying banners and posters supporting Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa.
Parmjit Singh, president of Sikh Youth of Punjab, said that the government had failed to break fast of Manipur’s iron girl Irom Sharmila who is on hunger strike for 14 years for stopping human rights violations there. Similarly, he said, the government cannot end the fast of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa by force feeding him.
Panthik leaders appealed to the president of India to intervene into the matter to ensure release of Sikh political prisoners.
