LUDHIANA, Punjab—Prominent Sikh Youth groups today announced to jointly support Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, who is on hunger strike since January 15 for permanent release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various jails of India.
In a joint statement, Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala president Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala, Sikh Youth Front general secretary Bhai Papalpreet Singh, Gurmat Parchar Sewa Lehar leader Bhai Surinder Singh Thikriwala, Youth Federation For Justice leader Bhai Gurpreet Singh Guri, Shan-e-Khalsa Gatka Dal Sangrur representative Kulwant Singh Talwar and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala (Amritsar) leaders said that release of the Sikh detainees is rather a right of Sikh nation, not a demand.
Talking to Sikh24, they said that in spite of completion of their sentences granted by the courts, Sikh prisoners are still behind bars. Against the brutal act of India, Bapu Surat Singh of 82 is sitting on fast unto death.
“While culprits of 1984 Sikh pogrom are gifted ministries openly, Sikh political prisoners are languishing in jails for unlimited period. All these acts expose slavery of Sikhs”, they said. “Some people are describing Sikh political prisoners as ‘terrorists’, but such people need to be told that latter are not terrorist but heroes of the nation. On the other hand, accused of terrorism who committed atrocities on Sikhs enjoy freedom in India.”
They asserted that if Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa repeats history of Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman due to his ill health condition and old age, State and Center government would be responsible directly.
Bhai Ranjit Singh Damdami Taksal, Shamsher Singh Kuharka, Sukhjit Singh Khela, Bhai Damandeep Singh Khalsa, Bhai Gurpreet Singh California and Bhai Navjot Singh also attended the meeting held in this regard.
