Pictorial: Ten Facts About Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s Hunger Strike

1)      Bhai Gurbaksh Singh is fasting until death to seek the release of 5 Sikhs from Indian prisons who have completed their jail sentences but have not been released.  Namely Bhai Gurmeet Singh, Bhai Shamsher Singh, Bhai Lakhwinder Singh (lodged in Burai Jail, Chandigarh since 1995), Bhai Laal Singh (Nabha Jail since 1992) and Bhai Gurdeep Singh (Gulbarga, Karnataka since 1990).

2)      The hunger strike was started on November 14 and is currently in its 17^th day at Gurdwara Amb Sahib which is situated in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) in Punjab.

3)      The Gurdwara committee and SGPC first refused to grant permission to organize an Akhand Path Sahib, but seeing the overwhelming response to his campaign, permission was granted afterwards.

4)      A number of Panthik jathebandis and eminent personalities have expressed solidarity with Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.  These organizations include Jathebandis from Punjab, India, Canada and United Kingdom.

5)      The SGPC and Takht Jathedars have not shown much support for Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, despite numerous appeals by him and others.  Giani Gurbachan Singh had earlier issued a statement that Sikhs should struggle for justice, not fast.  Punjab Government officials have also not paid him a visit, yet even though they went as far as New Delhi when Bibi Nirpreet Kaur was fasting there.

6)      Haryana police have continued to harass the family of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.  They recently raided his house in search of old pictures and other information.  The Mohali SSP has issued a statement alleging that Bhai Gurbaksh Singh can be picked up any time when required.

7)      Bhai Gurbaksh Singh has issued a statement asking Sikhs worldwide not to collect funds in his name.  He has asked Sikhs to “Unite under One Nishan Sahib” and pray for the Panth’s Chardi Kala.

8)      Indian media, as well as Punjabi newspapers and TV channels have not provided any kind of coverage to Bhai Gurbaksh Singh’s hunger strike.  A majority of coverage has been provided by Panthik media operated by Sikhs abroad.  Sikh Channel UK has provided a number of interviews and regular updates on Bhai Sahib’s campaign.

9)      Bhai Gurbaksh Singh has lost a lot of weight and is physically weak, however he is steadfast in his demand for justice.  His daily schedule includes amritvela simran, nitnem, and listening to continuous recitation of Chaupai Sahib and other amrit banis.

10)   Bhai Gurbaksh Singh has announced that he will continue fasting until the Singhs are released or until his death.  He has also publicly stated that ardas has been done in front of Guru Granth Sahib and he will not back out even if Akal Takht Sahib issues an order.