Home WORLD Interview with Sikh Political Prisoner Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha

Interview with Sikh Political Prisoner Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha

Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha and Sardar Papalpreet Singh

“If dying for Faith isn’t easy, then living is a struggle as well” -Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha

The spirit of chardikala became apparent when we met Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha at his sister’s house in ludhiana. Bhai Lakha is on parole for mere 28 days after 18 years of rigorous imprisonment. For all these years, Burail Jail might have kept Bhai Lakha hidden from the Sikh Nation, but his heart was always with the Panth. By seeing Bhai Lakha’s steadfastness and optimism, one can see that India, the oppressor of Sikhs, has lost in its plot to destroy the Sikh spirit. Bhai Lakha is living testament to the fact that Sikh spirit is still thriving.

Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, born on March 10, 1972, hails from village Narangwal, which is about 35 km from Ludhiana. His childhood was spent in Patiala’s Guru Nanak Nagar because of his father’s job. Bhai Lakha’s lived where gali (street) # 9 and #13 intersect. Shaheed Bhai Dilawar Singh’s house was in gali#12 and Bhai Gurmeet Singh Engineer’s house was in gali# 14. Bhai Dilawar Singh was couple grades ahead of Bhai Lakha. 

Bhai Lakha was arrested on September 4, 1995. He remained in prison without any parole until. February 24, 2013. On February 24, 2013, Bhai Lakha was given parole, under police security, for few hours so he could be present at his sister’s Anand Karaj. Then on December 27,2013 Bhai Lakha was granted 28 day parole, due to Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s struggle. On December 31, 2013, during a conversation with him, we learned that he is well read, especially in terms of philosophy. Bhai Lakha has read great number of books on philosophy in prison. In 1997, he completed the Giani course by the Sikh Missionary College with high merits. He has also acquired knowledge about computers. 

Short while ago, Sikh activist Sardar Papalpreet Singh met with Bhai Lakhwinder Singh and conducted an interview.

Q: You have been released on parole for 28 for the first time, Before November 14, 2013 did it feel as if you might have to spend your whole life in prison? 
A: Because of Guru Sahib’s Kirpa, I always felt that one day I would be free again. 

Q: How do you feel about the support Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s struggle received? 
A: I and my family, wholeheartedly thank Khalsa Panth. I thank Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa for victory of his struggle’s first stage, to free Singhs in Bural Jail.

Q: How is your overall well-being?
A: “Khalsa is in chardi kala, what else is there to say,” said Bhai Lakha when asked about his well-being.  He said that Sikh political prisoners are strong in their spirit even after being jailed for decades.

Q: What has hurt you the most about the state of Panth while you were in jail?
A: Disrespect of Guru Granth Sahib. Some Sikhs were arrested by the police for their involvement in Sikh sangarsh, but they did not recieve much help. It is responsibility of all Sikhs and Sikh Jathebandis to come forward to provide legal assistance to these Singhs.

Q: Any message to the Sikh masses?
A: We need to get rid of our egos and join the cause to seek release of all Sikh political prisoners.

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