Bathinda, Punjab (April 17, 2014): According to media reports the Bathinda Police barred the “Bandi Singh Rehai March” on April 16. The march was reportedly planned by the Sikh Sangarsh Committee.
According the Punjabi Tribune (PT): Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal of Panthic Sewa Lehar (PSL) said that the march was planned to spread awareness for the cause of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various Indian jails despite serving their jail terms.
He said that the permissions were requested from the district administration of Bathinda for taking out the march but the same were denied by the administration.
According to Sikh24.Com: [s]ources in Bathinda say the police were adamant about stopping the march. They continued to delay marchers using various excuses. By early morning, a large number of police had already been deployed around Gurdwara Singh Sabha. Eventually all protesters inside were barred from marching.
Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal criticized the Shriomani Akali Dal (Badal) for not giving their permission for the peaceful march. He asked Sikhs to boycott Badal Dal due to their anti-Panthik activities.
A number of other renowned Sikhs were also present to take part in the march.