As Bapu Surat Singh’s Sangharsh Reaches 500 Days, Authorities Release Activist From Forceful Detention

LUDHIANA, Punjab—83 years old Sikh activist Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa was released from 5 months and 20 days long illegal custody at the Dayanand Medical College & Hospital yesterday on May 29. Bapu Ji was being force fed at DMCH since December 10, 2015 against his wishes.

Consequently, Bapu Surat Singh’s hunger protest reached 500 days on May 29 as well.  Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa is on hunger strike since January 16, 2015 seeking release of political Sikh prisoners languishing across Indian jails despite serving mandatory terms of their life sentences. Bapu Ji has endured immense physical and mental torture by the state during this more than a year long struggle.

Talking with Sikh24’s correspondent, Bhai Ravinder Jeet Singh Gogi (son of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa) informed that the Punjab government has released Bapu Ji in wake of hearing of the petition scheduled for May 31. He informed that he had moved a habeas petition in the Punjab & Haryana High Court against illegal custody of his father, Bapu Surat Singh Ji Khalsa.

Bhai Gogi added that Justice Inderjit Singh had issued a notice to the Punjab government to state the reason for illegal custody of Bapu Ji till May 31. “Justice Inderjit Singh had issued a warning to the Punjab government’s counsel that he will issue a strict order in written against Government if it fails to present solid reason for illegal detention.”

Since May 26, Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s health had deteriorated.  Facing backlash of the Sikh Sangat, authorities had attempted to force feed Bapu Ji.  Bapu Ji however refused to be force fed and removed the feed pipes.