CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Representatives of the Sangarsh Committee overseeing the struggle initiated by Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa today met with Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal at his residence in Chandigarh. Under pressure from the growing support of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa in past few weeks, the meeting was called by the Punjab Chief Minister himself.
Bibi Sarvarinder Kaur, daughter of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, Bibi Navneet Kaur Bhullar, Bibi Pritam Kaur, Bhai RP Singh of Sikh Relief, Jaskaran Singh Kahnsinghwala (SAD Amritsar) and Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal also accompanied the Sangarsh Committee.
At first, Badal requested the Sangarsh Committee to press Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa to end hunger strike. He alleged that the release of Sikh political prisoners was not possible, however he promised to take up the issue in future.
Sikh delegation however refused to entertain the request by Parkash Badal as they cited specific cases that were due for release. They told the Chief Minister that Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa is firm on his stance and he will not end his hunger strike until Sikh political prisoners were not released. As Sikh delegation remained adamant, Badal stated that he would take up the matter with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He was advised to furnish permanent parole of Sikh political prisoners and release elderly Sikh who have been detained in the Ludhiana Bank robbery case.
An 8 member committee will be formed to further peruse the cases of Sikh political prisoners. The committee will consist of SK Sandhu, Jagpal Singh Sandhu, ADGP Hardip Singh Dhillon, ADGP Rajpal Meena and four members of the Sangharsh Committee.
After the meeting with Parkash Badal and his team, the Sangarsh Committee stated that although they have met with the chief minister, they have no faith in his promises. They alleged that Badal promised to fulfill the demands by Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, however it cannot be said with confidence if he will really stay true to his promises.
