Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protest for ‘Bandi Singhs’ release, freed Toll Plazas for 3 hours

Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protest for ‘Bandi Singhs’ release, freed Toll Plazas for 3 hours

Threatened to hold a protest even at Delhi

28 Toll Plazas freed for 3 hours

Ferozepur, January 20, 2024:  The issue of the release of Sikh prisoners, or Bandi Singhs, has been simmering for a long time. Today, the members of Quami Insaaf Morcha, on a call, registered their protest by closing most of the Toll Plazas in the State for three hours from 11 am to 2 pm, for the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’.   The QIM front had been demanding the release of Sikh prisoners in jails for a long time.

The release of ‘Bandi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners)’, languishing in jails after having served their terms, is an emotive issue in Punjab. Now all eyes are on the BJP, which is ruling at the Centre, and is trying to create a base in Punjab.

Fateh Singh, Kot Karor Kalan said that the Sikhs under the banner of  Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (Sikh Nation Justice Protest)  have been fighting for the release of Sikh prisoners, who have completed their punishment terms. The issue of their release has been a central issue for Punjabis for some time but recently, political parties and organizations have highlighted the matter.

There are a lot of Sikh political prisoners who are languishing in various jails of the country despite having completed their prison term. Many Sikh prisoners have been in jail for the last 24-30 years, whereas the sentences are typically only 14 years, he added.

He said it is just a warning to the central government through today’s protest. The Sikh sentiments were already hurt for over a decade and any further delay in the release of the detainees will only send a stronger negative message to the Sikh community. We will even visit Delhi to hold a protest.

The other issues include punishment in sacrilege cases and levelling charges in Behbal Kalan firing cases. We have been firing for the last more than one year and today all farmer’s outfits have supported the closure of toll plazas at Kot Karor Kalan, Ferozepur and Bathinda.  In all, 28 toll plazas including Bhatinda, Ropar, and Mohali were closed today for three hours.  It is very unfortunate that despite an announcement from the Red Fort, the Bandhi Singhs have not been released. The three accused in the Beant Singh murder case have already been released. There is a fear among the government about the popularity of these Bandhi Singhs among the Sikh community that if they are released, they will lead them to political ends also. If the government is serious about it, it must release the Bandhi Singhs at the earliest, said a farmer leader.