Negotiation on Sikh Prisoners, Sangharsh Committee Hands Over Names of Representatives

Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa
Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa

CHANDIGARH, India—After getting assurance from Punjab chief minister Parkash Badal on the issue of Sikh political prisoners, Bandi Singh Rehai Sangharsh Committee, umbrella organization of various Panthik organizations, on Monday held marathon meeting with Punjab government top rank officers in Punjab Bhawan here. The Punjab Government officers were led by Punjab Police chief Sumedh Saini.

As per reliable sources, the meeting lasted for two and half an hour during which Saini said to the Sikh leaders that positive actions were being taken on their demand, but ongoing hunger strike by Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa should be ended.

The sources said senior Police officers who were present in the meeting, spoke to concerned officers on phone regarding transfer of Prof. Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar. These officers said to Sikh leaders that Prof Bhullar may be transferred to Amritsar within 2-3 days.

Saini told the Sikh leaders that in respect of release of Sikh political prisoners, government has given charge of Nodel officer to DIG (Intelligence) RK Jaiswal.

From Sangharsh Committee, United Akali Dal leader Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Akali Dal Panch Pardhani leader Harpal Singh Cheema, SAD (A) general secretaty Jaskaran Singh Kahan Singh Wala, Dal Khalsa leader Manjinder Singh Jandi, Akhand Kirtani Jatha leader Bhai RP Singh, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala (Damdami Taksal), Bapu Surat Singh’s son Ravinderjit Signh Gogi and Pehredar’s editor Jaspal Singh Heran attended the meeting.

On being contacted, Gurdeep Singh Bathinda said that the Police officials were told in the meeting that demand is being raised for release of those Sikhs who participated in Dharam Yudh Morcha launched in 1982. This morcha was also participated by Badal himself. They were also told that some of the Singhs are those who initiated their struggle in reaction to attack on Sri Darbar Sahib.

As per Gurdeep Singh, Saini gave positive response but Sikh leaders made it clear that until they do not get indication of implementation of the assurances, they would not believe on Punjab government, nor end the strike.

During the meeting, Sangharsh committee handed over 4 names of its representatives to the government for the 8-member panel to be constituted for working on release of the Sikh prisoners. These names are Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Harpal Singh Cheema, Jaskaran Singh kahan Singh Wala and Manjinder Singh Jandi. Remaining 4 members of this proposed committee will be from government. From government, additional chief secretary (home) Jagpal  Singh Sandhu, Principal secy to CM KS Sandhu, chief secy (jails) Sanjay Kaumar and DGP (intelligence) Hardeep Singh Dhillon will be included in the committee.

It is worth mentioning that Sangharsh Committee leads struggle initiated by old aged Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa for permanent release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various jails of India despite completion of their terms. Bapu Khalsa’s hunger strike entered 142th day.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here