Chandigarh: The issue of Sikh political prisoners languishing in Indian jails even after completing minimum mandatory terms of their sentences is once again in focus. The Punjab government has reportedly taken some steps to get Sikh political prisoners lodged in other states transferred to Punjab jails. It is learnt that the Rajasthan government has issued no-objection to the jail transfer of Harnek Singh Bhap. He is lodge din a jail in Rajashtan in Mirdha case of 1995.
A revised List of 19 Sikh Political Prisoners undergoing Imprisonment of Life was released by Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur few months back
The issue was raised by a Sikh delegation that met Punjab CM Capt. Amarinder Singh few days back in wake of “Bargari Morcha” by Bhai Dhian Singh Mand. A list of 20 Sikh political prisoners was reportedly handed over to Punjab CM of which six are lodged in jails outside Punjab. The list also includes names of Sikh political prisoners who have completed minimum mandatory terms of their sentences and are eligible to be granted premature premature release.
The issue has been in focus previously also – especially during agitation by Late Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa at Amb Sahib (SAS Nagar) in 2013 and later during agitation by Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa. Though there in scattered cases, some Sikh political prisoners were granted premature release, there seems of be lack of political will or incapacity on the part of Central or state governments to take bold decision in this regard.
There are instances where Sikh political prisoners are detained outside Punjab overriding the legal position in this regard and they are denied legal right to be transferred to their home state even when they are not facing any case outside Punjab.