AMRITSAR SAHIB—Political Sikh prisoner Bhai Baj Singh, aged 62, was released from Amritsar jail on the evening of January 4. He was released as per the promises made to the Bandi Singh Rihai Sangharsh Committee by the Punjab government. Bhai Baj Singh is a resident of village Bhullar situated in Lopoke constituency.
Bhai Baj Singh had been languishing in jail since 1993 and was sentenced to imprisonment for lifetime by the Court in 1997. He was held guilty in a murder case of 1993 and was also indicted under TADA (Terrorists and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act) charges which were later absolved.
Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa and the members of the Bandi Singh Rihai Sangharsh Committee welcomed the release of Bhai Baj Singh.
Following his release, Sikh Organization for Prisoner Welfare stated, “Bhai Baj Singh has endured almost 2 decades of hardship in Amritsar’s Central Jail, which is more time than a life sentence is considered to be. His impeccable character earned him much respect in prison – he was even appointed ‘Barrack Gatekeeper’ for more than 13 years.”
It is notable that Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has been struggling for the release of political prisoners for almost one year. Bhai Baj Singh’s release is being seen as a fruit to Bapu Ji’s struggle. So far, pressure mounted by 1 year long hunger protest has led to –
1. Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar’s transfer to Punjab
2. Bhai Waryam Singh’s release
3. Bhai Hardeep Singh’s release
4. Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera’s transfer to Punjab
5. Bhai Baj Singh’s release
6. Bhai Makhan Singh Gill’s parole
Yesterday, speaking with Sikh24, Bapu Surat Singh had appreciated efforts by the entire Panth and dedicated Jathebandis for the release of Sikh political prisoners. Not taking any credit despite almost a year long struggle, Bapu Surat Singh said that it was with the blessings of Guru Ji and the dedication of Panthik Sikh organizations that a number of prisoners were released. Bapu Surat Singh stated that the sangharsh is still alive as more needs to be done for the political prisoners who have not received relief so far.
