CHANDIGARH—With growing influence for the movement initiated by Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa for the permanent release of Sikh political prisoners, the Punjab government led by Parkash Badal is harassing Sikhs in Punjab through various means. Yesterday, Punjab police did not only stop Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa’s march at Punjab-Haryana border from entering into Punjab, but also raided residences of Sikh activists and detained many of them in a crackdown.
As per information available with Sikh24, leaders of various leading Sikh organizations, namely Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), Akali Dal (Amritsar), various factions of Sikh students Federation, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale have been detained despite there being no threat to peace in the state. These practices, by the same corrupt leaders, were the beginnings of the Sikh genocides in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
The Punjab government fears that Bhai Khalsa might shift his hunger strike to Punjab. Punjab Police continues to mount barricades at the Punjab-Haryana border and heavy police personnel have been deployed there to restrict Sikh movements.
Today, a truck of food for langar (free kitchen) was sent by Baba Diwan Singh Kaar Sewa Wale from Bahadargarh (Patiala) to Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib but was stopped by Punjab police at the border. The volunteers who were driving the truck were detained. When Sikh Sangat learned about this, they rushed toward the police station and Police had to release the truck and Sewadars. In addition, Police is also hindering Sikh Sangat going from Punjab to Lakhnaur Sahib.
Bhai Bagicha Singh Waraich, one of the main aides of Bhai Khalsa fears that the Badal government could register forged cases against those who are staying along with Bhai Khalsa at Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib. He said they are mostly from Punjab and Punjab police has been enquiring about them by raiding their homes and frightening their families.
In wake of Punjab Bandh on 10th January, the police may take more rigid steps to harass Sikhs.
Sikh media and human rights organizations are being warned to remain vigilant in the case of a media blackout or government crackdown on innocent Sikhs.
