Chandigarh: Representatives of various Sikh organizations today met Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. According to a written statement released by Sikh organizations CM Badal has given “positive response” on the issue of Sikh Political prisoners.
A statement released by Sikh bodies says that a high level meeting was held at Punjab CM’s Chandigarh based residence. The meeting was attended by a delegation of “Bandi Singhs Rihai Sangharsh Committee”.
CM Badal reportedly assured the Sikh delegation that the Punjab government will seriously deliberate on removing all legal and constitutional hurdles for the bail, parole or release of Sikh political prisoners as per norms.
The chief minister also agreed to give go ahead to jail transfer of Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar from Tihar Jail Delhi to Central Jail Amritsar in Punjab.
CM Badal reportedly assured Sikh delegation that the Punjab government would communicate with India’s Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the release of Sikh political prisoners jailed in other states.
Sangharsh Committee convener Gurdeep Singh Bathinda said that CM Badal has announced to appoint an eight member legal committee to find out legal ways to secure release of concerned Sikh political prisoners. He said that Punjab government has nominated four members to this committee, including Principle Secretary A. S. Sandhu, Additional Home Secretary Jagpal Singh Sandhu, A.D.G.P (Intelligence) Hardeep Singh Dhillon and A.D.G.P (Prisons) Rampal Meena. “Remaining four member of the committee will be nominated by the Sangharsh Committee”, he added.
He said that the Punjab government has assured to take septs for granting parole to Balbir Singh Bhootna.
Gurdeep Singh Bathinda said that Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s hunger strike, and the struggle of Sangharsh Committee, will continue till the Punjab government starts practical work on commitments made during today’s meeting.
The statement says that the meeting between Sikh delegation and the Punjab government was facilitated by Sikh Organization for Prisoners’ Welfare chief R. P. Singh.