LUDHIANA, Punjab—Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa continues to advocate for the release of political prisoners languishing in jails despite having completed their sentences. Bapu Surat Singh said that he does not wish to be force fed. “My only desire is to seek the release of political prisoners who have completed their terms,” he said. “My hunger strike is in protest against the government for its inaction in releasing these prisoners on a timely basis. Why would I allow the administration to force feed me?”
Yesterday, Bapu Surat Singh removed the force feeding pipes that were placed on him by the doctors at DMC Hero Heart Hospital. Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has remained without food for more than 25 days now. His hunger strike started on January 16, 2015, but he has been force fed by the authorities on many occasions.
Bhavandeep Singh Sidhu of the Bandi Singh Rehai Sangharsh Committee said, “The Government doesn’t want Bapu Surat Singh to live or die, that’s why they keep force feeding him. I watched the process, it’s really painful,” he said. He condemned the force feeding and commended Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s firm stance.
After removing the pipes, Bapu Surat Singh said that his last desire was to see Sikh political prisoners like Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Gurdeep Singh Khera and others released. “I’m struggling for the common rights of all prisoners, but I wish to see the government start releasing Sikh prisoners and also taking firm steps to release prisoners of other faiths, including Hindus, Christians and Muslims,” he said. “Any political prisoner who has completed his sentence must be released,” he added.
Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa blamed the Akali Dal for consistently going against the Khalsa Panth.He said that the youth should come forward to improve the state of the Panth.