CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Punjab cabinet has reportedly approved an amendment in the “Good Conduct Prisoners Act” of 1962 in order to simplify the procedure of granting parole to prisoners of state’s jails.
After amending the Act, it would be easier to grant parole to prisoners on the basis of their good conduct. Although amending the act, no mention was made to Sikh political prisoners, however, the amendment may have come to invent a way to release political prisoners on parole. The Punjab Government is reportedly under a lot of pressure due to the hunger strike of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, who has been campaigning since January 16, 2015, for the release of political prisoners.
Political commentators have also suggested that the government is taking such steps under pressure as struggle for Sikh prisoners has gained worldwide momentum. There are a number of political prisoners who despite having served their mandatory sentences have not been released. In order to calm down furious Sikh activists, Punjab government seems to have now invented this solution to resolve a long pending issue.
