Bhai Gurbaksh Singh: My Statement on Bapu Surat Singh was Presented Wrongfully

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Facing major embarrassment over his “derogatory” statement on Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Haryana on Wednesday clarified that he respected Bapu Surat Singh and his statement was presented by a TV channel wrongfully.

In an interview telecast by a TV channel, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh questioned hunger strike being served by Bapu Surat Singh for 167 days claiming that latter was taking lemon water instead of simple water which is violation of norms of hunger strike. However, he could not produce any evidence in this regard. Even he wrongfully termed force feeding and treatment being given to Bapu Surat Singh by the government as violation too. The channel broadcast the interview by sensationalizing it and with extra comments with the intention to tarnish the image of Bapu Surat Singh who has gained popularity among Sikh masses. Following which, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh drew flaks from all circles of Sikhs who termed the questions baseless.

After facing embarrassment across the world, he clarified his side over the interview. Talking to the correspondent of a Punjabi daily, he said that Bapu Surat Singh continued the struggle initiated by him for permanent release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various jails of India despite completion of their imprison term.

He said that a section of media is presenting his statement by distorting it, but Sikhs knew the reality and they would not emphasize on such act of media.

He claimed that during his hunger strike he did not receive any kind of financial aid from foreign countries. He thanked Punjab chief minister for paving way for transfer of Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera from Karnatka jail to Amritsar Jail.

“Following transfer of Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and Bhai Khera, ray of hope has produced for other Sikh political prisoners”, he added.

It is worth mentioning that Bhai Gurbaksh Singh’s reputation went down among Sikhs when he ended his hunger strike (at Sikh shrine near Ambala) second time breaking promise that either Sikh prisoners will be freed or he will attain martyrdom.

Despite his statement that his comments were taken out of proportion, the full interview shows Bhai Gurbaksh Singh wrongfully challenging Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa.