:dateline:Bhai Iqbal Singh Bhatti (France) continues his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar complex in New Delhi to seek justice for a number Sikh issues. �Bhai Bhatti had started his hunger strike on December 5th of 2013. �Though he has not yet gained similar support as in the case of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, a number of prominent Gursikhs have visited him recently to express their support. �Namely, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, S. Ajmer Singh Randhawara, Bibi Nirpreet Kaur, a 1984 genocide victim, and other Delhi Sikhs have provided support and assistance to this protest.
There is a great need for Sikhs to acquaint themselves with the demands of Bhai Iqbal Singh Bhatti. �He has pressed upon the following on humanitarian grounds –
- Release of Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar
- Punish those responsible for 1984 Sikh Genocide
- Open a fast track court for achieving justice for 1984 Victims
In addition to these, the hunger strike movement in New Delhi also focuses on the following demands:
- Issue new Passports for all those Sikhs and their families who took political asylum in foreign countries.
Note: A large number of Sikh families had to escape oppression from the likes of Beant “Singh” & KP Gill. �Majority of these Sikhs are not wanted/needed in any Court of law in India. - Release all those Sikh prisoners who are languishing in jails under TADA act and have completed their awarded sentences. �TADA act has been denounced by a number of International Bodies.
- Release all senior citizens languishing in jails on humanitarian grounds without any discrimination.
Bhai Iqbal Singh’s health is deteriorated day by day. Local Sikhs in large number have visited him and to show their solidarity however the hunger strike has not been given sizable support from Sikh organizations. It has not been able to gain a momentum like the movement launched from Gurdwara Amb Sahib during the end of last year.
It pertinent to mention that in 2009, Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani) led by Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, with the collaboration of Sikh Students Federation (SSF) staged a hunger strike morcha at Jantar Mantar during which Jatha of five Singhs sat on hunger strike for 48 hours. Demands of this Morcha were:
- Pass & Implement Anand Marriage Act of 1909
- Amend Section 25 (2)(b) of Indian constitution, in which Sikhs are recognized as part of Hindus
- Punish Chief of Dera Sirsa for his blasphemous act which hurt Sikh feelings deeply
This campaign, however, did not bear fruit and after few months, it ended without any result.
But, now when conditions have changed, comparatively more response has been received by Bhai Iqbal Singh Bhatti�s hunger strike, as has been seen in recent days. �The Sikhs who are sensitive about this hunger strike have appealed to entire Sikh community to support Bhai Iqbal Singh and show solidarity with him. �Sadly, similar to the case of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, none of media groups have taken notice of the strike.
