Jathedar Nandgarh Condemns State’s Atrocities on Supporters of Bapu Surat Singh

LUDHIANA, Punjab—Addressing the gathering at the Gurdwara Sahib in Hassanpur, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh said that Sikh nation is not going to give up its demand for the release of Sikh political prisoners.  He said that it is unfortunate that a “Panthik” party was ignoring the demands of the Sikh community.  He termed leaders of Akali Dal as anti-Sikh as he stated that Bapu Ji was fighting for the rights of all prisoners, regardless of their religion.

Jathedar Nandgarh strongly condemned the State’s attempt to oppress the freedom of expression and speech of the Sikhs.  “If taking part in the Ardas of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was not a crime, then why did the Police bar Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa from entering the Gurdwara Sahib?” he asked.  He appealed to the Sikh nation to continue struggle for the release of political Sikh prisoners.  

Former Member of Parliament and Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Bhai Dhian Singh Mand said that Government ought to consider the issue of releasing political Sikh prisoners with attention.

Advisor of Bandi Singhs Rihai Sangharsh Committee Bhai Jaspal Singh said that the Government has crossed all limits in committing atrocities on the Sikhs. He appealed the Sikh masses to observe August 15 as Black day.

Other leaders including Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (Satkar Committee, Haryana), Bhai Darshan Singh Rakba, Bhai Sukhjit Singh Khosa (Chief of Satkar Committee), Bhai Gopal Singh Banur, Bhai Buta Singh Ranseeh, Bhai Lakhbir Singh Khalsa Mahalam, Bhai Tarlok Singh Dall (District President of Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar from Ludhiana), President Beant Singh Dakha, Bhai Bhan Singh Talwandi, Principal Bhupinder Singh and others also addressed the Sikh gathering on this occasion and appealed the Government to invent some productive way to ensure release of political Sikh prisoners who have served mandatory terms of their sentences.