NEW DELHI—After a number of protests by various Sikh organizations located in India and worldwide, a Gursikh has announced that he will go on a hunger strike to seek rights for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara. Bhai Hawara is imprisoned in the Tihar Jail in New Delhi and has complained of severe pain in his back. His deteriorating health has been ignored by jail authorities who have also refused him medical treatment.
The president of the All India Sikh Youth Committee (ALSYC) has been sitting on a hunger strike at the Jantar Mantar in protest. The committee has appealed to the Indian Government to provide medical assistance to Bhai Hawara immediately.
Bhai Charanpreet Singh has stated that he will continue his hunger strike until jail authorities and the Indian Government take concrete steps to ensure the well being of Bhai Hawara.
“Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara is a jewel of the entire Sikh Nation and until he is given medical treatment, I will continue my hunger strike,” said Bhai Charanpreet Singh. A number of youth Gursikhs, Sikh Organizations, as well as Panthik leaders have already arrived in New Delhi to provide assistance to Bhai Charanpreet Singh.
Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa who had undergone a hunger strike last year is also present in New Delhi and has visited Bhai Charanpreet Singh. “When I met Bhai Hawara two months ago in a court, he was not even able to walk properly,” said Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.
Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare are overseeing some cases for Bhai Hawara and have told Sikh24 that he is currently confined to a wheelchair and is not able to move on his own. The pain started from his spine and now has reached his left leg. He had requested medical assistance weeks ago, but authorities have been denying him any treatment whatsoever.
