Another Sikh detainee’s parole papers ready

Mohali, Punjab: With the Patiala administration clearing Gurmeet Singh’s parole documents today, it is almost certain that he will be out of jail tomorrow morning. Sources claimed that his parole application had been lying with the Patiala administration for the past two months.

“Today, the administration gave its nod to Gurmeet Singh’s furlough leave and sent the documents to the Chandigarh Administration for further orders,” the sources said.

Harpal Singh Cheema, member of the organising committee of Sikh Bandi Rehai Lehar, said Gurmeet Singh, Shamsher Singh and Lakhwinder Singh had applied for parole two months ago. “While Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh’s applications were turned down, that of Gurmeet Singh was pending with the Patiala authorities.”

He said fresh parole applications for Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh would be sent to the Patiala administration tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the file for premature release of Wariyam Singh is said to have reached the office of the Uttar Pradesh Governor after having been cleared by UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Talking to The Tribune on the phone from Lucknow, Baghel Singh, member of a Sikh delegation pursuing Wariyam Singh’s case, said Wariyam Singh’s file was now with the Governor’s office. “We tried to meet the Governor today to expedite the matter but in vain. We have got a positive response from the UP Government.Hopefully,Wariyam Singh’s release orders will be issued soon,” said Baghel Singh. Gurdip Singh Khaira, lodged in a Karnataka jail, has also forwarded his parole application, said sources.

Meanwhile, preparations are afoot for the Sikh convention at Gurdwara Amb Sahib tomorrow morning.

“The gurdwara authorities are not allowing us to pitch a water-resistant tent inside the complex.

“We expect a large gathering for the convention tomorrow. Let’s see what happens,” said the rather anxious-looking organisers.

J&K Sikhs observe fast to show solidarity:

Representatives of the Sikh community in Jand K observed a daylong fast in support of Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa here on Sunday. “Sikhs have laid down their lives for the sake of the nation. But they are now being treated as second-class citizens and denied justice,” read a press statement. — TNS

Surge of support at Gurdwara Amb Sahib:

Punjabi actors and singers Nishawn Bhullar, Sarthi K and Balli Riar reached Gurdwara Amb Sahib on Sunday evening. “Bhai Khalsa has been struggling for a genuine cause and we are here to support him,” said Bhullar. The artistes were accompanied by their friends and supporters. More than 300 students of Panjab University have reached the protest site. — TNS

Badal praises Beant Singh’s family:

Cautioning that ‘some forces’ were out to disturb peace and harmony in the state, the CM, in Ludhiana on Sunday, praised slain CM Beant Singh’s family for not objecting to the release of detainees in the interest of peace.

Source: The Tribune