AMRITSAR SAHIB—This past week, Surjeet Singh, an Indian spy, was released from the Pakistani jail system. The release of Surjeet Singh after 30 years gave hope to the family of Sarbjeet Singh – another prisoner lodged in Pakistan. Although Sarbjeet’s family has been campaigning for his release, their efforts have not received much traction.
Many of Indian leaders have long demanded the release of Sarbjeet Singh however they have turned a blind eye towards many Sikhs lodged illegally in Indian jails. One of these Sikhs – Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar has completed his prison term and despite facing serious physical and mental health issues, is still being kept a imprisoned by Indian authorities.
Treat Both Cases Equally: Appeal to PM Manmohan Singh
Many organizations have appealed that Prof. Bhullar should be treated similar to the case of Sarbjeet Singh, since the only major difference in the case is the country in which each prisoner is being held. USA based organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has written an appeal to the Prime Minister asking him to “abandon the double standards being shown by the Indian Government in both cases.” In the letter, SFJ brought up the point that Prof. Bhullar was convicted after being tortured and forced to confess his role in the Khalistan Movement. SFJ has called upon the Prime Minister to follow the United Nation’s recommendation to World countries to abolish death penalty. The letter also stated that if the Indian Government releases Prof. Bhullar it would set an example for its Pakistani Counterpart.
Justice Rally in New Delhi for Prof. Bhullar on July 17
In a joint statement with the All India Sikh Student Federation (Peer Mohammed), Sikhs for Justice announced to hold a “Justice Rally” outside the Parliament on July 17 in New Delhi. The purpose of the rally would be to seek release of Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and other Sikhs lodged in Indian jails. Many Sikhs have been lodged in jails throughout India despite having completed their sentences.
