Commemorating Bandi Chhor Divas, the day marking the liberation of 52 kings by Guru Hargobind Sahib, the ‘Sikh Youth of Punjab’ volunteers and activists gathered at Sachkhand Darbar Sahib to offer prayers for the well-being and release of Sikh detainees -affectionately called “Bandi Singhs.” This solemn vigil saw the activists holding a peaceful demonstration, displaying placards with images of Sikh detainees like Jaggi Johal, Sandeep Singh Sunny, and Amritpal Singh, along with others who have completed their sentences. WSN reports.

SIKH YOUTH OF PUNJAB -a Dal Khalsa affiliate, reaffirmed their commitment to a democratic struggle against the continued detention of Sikh political prisoners, emphasizing that post-sentence release is not a plea for mercy but a fundamental human right. Gurnam Singh Moonak, the organization’s leader, highlighted the political prominence of the Sikh political prisoners’ issue, which has seen promises for release by the Government of India and respective state governments unfulfilled, leading to a betrayal felt deeply within the Sikh community.

Leaders of the youth organization criticized the central government and its governors for reneging on commitments to release these prisoners, urging the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee to issue an ultimatum to the Modi government and prepare for a concerted struggle, as they believe that justice will not be served without a fight.

Adding to the grievance, the organization reported that approximately ten Sikh youths were recently sent to Dibrugarh under the National Security Act without substantial legal justification.

The vice president and general secretary of the Sikh Youth of Punjab, Maan Singh and Satbir Singh accused the political leadership, specifically naming Modi, Shah, and Kejriwal, of illegally obstructing the release of Sikh prisoners and thus infringing upon their basic human rights.

This heightened plea from the Sikh Youth of Punjab for the release of prisoners aligns with the spirit of liberty exemplified by Guru Hargobind Sahib’s historic act of emancipation.