Amb Sahib, Mohali (December 24, 2013): Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, on an indefinite hunger strike at Gurdwara Amb Sahib since November 14, 2013 seeking release of 6 Sikh political prisoners detailed beyond the terms of their sentences in various jails, is reported to have developed “symptoms of pneumonia”.
Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa on hunger strike since November 14, 2013
Bhai Gurbaksh Singh’s hunger strike has entered 41st day today. A team of doctors accompanied by police in uniform visited Bhai Gurbaksh Singh. Doctors advised him to be admitted to the hospital but he refused to leave the site of Bandi Singhs Rihai Morcha. As per information he has been shifted from a tent on the Gurdwara Sahib’s Hall in wake of sudden fall in mercury because of rain fall in Punjab and snow-fall in adjoining hilly state of Himachal Pradesh.
Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, acting president of the Akali Dal Panch Pardhani and member of the organising committee of Bandi Singhs Rihai Morcha, said Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa refused to take medicine and, hence, was not hospitalised.
As per Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) sources the Punjab government has directed that a team of doctors from Fortis be sent to take care of Gurbaksh Singh.
Meanwhile, three Sikhs – Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh, lodged in the Burail jail, Chandigarh, in connection with the Beant Singh assassination case, could not be released on parole on December 23 because the IG (Prisons) reportedly refused to exercise his powers in this regard.
Sources said he wanted the recommendation of the UT Administrator, who is also Punjab Governor, for releasing the three inmates.
The Burail jail authorities have reportedly sent a letter to the Patiala Depty Commissioner regarding parole for Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh. Sources said the Patiala Deputy Commissioner has sent a report to the Punjab Government, stating that the administration had no objection to the release of Gurmeet Singh on parole.
Meanwhile, a Panthic conference, to extend support to the cause of Sikh prisoners, was held at Gurdwara Amb Sahib. The conference was largely attended by the Sikh youth besides the representatives of various Sikh/ Panthic organizations, political parties, religious, social and human rights bodies.