By Hardeep Singh

CHANDIGARH March 6, 2024 Once again dissenting Akali MLA from Dakha segment Manpreet Singh Ayali took stand in interests of the Sikhs. He raised the issue of release or shifting of Waris Punjab De chief Bhai Amritpal Singh and his nine aides lodged to Dibrugarh jail of Assam under the black law National Security Act (NSA) in Punjab state assembly.

With his speech, the issue was echoed in the Punjab. However, anyone from the ruling class did not give any reply. He was sole legislature who raised this issue.

“It’s been 75 years since this country has been liberated from clutches of colonial rulers. Sikhs have 2 percent share in the population of India, but contributed with more than 80 percent sacrifices in Indian freedom struggle. They were hanged, lodged to Kalepani jail and other jails of India. However, after independence, Sikhs have been facing scores of discriminations”, he said.

He said, “Firstly, we faced mass level displacement. We lost our birth places and precious assets. After that we were declared criminal community by the then Congress government of this country. Many issues like Chandigarh and river water have not been resolved yet. Our holy shrine Sri Darbar Sahib was attacked in this free India. Then, the Sikhs were massacred in other state under the patronage of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. No culprit of the Sikh genocide has been awarded punishment so far”.

“Presently, our Bandi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners) are languishing in jails even as they have completed their terms. So, I demand that Central government of India should release these prisoners”, said Akali MLA.

Pertinently, he said, “Similarly, the Sikhs including Bhai Amritpal Singh are lodged to Dibrugarh jail of Assam under the National Security Act (NSA). They are behind bars for last 11 months. Action could be taken against them by laws in view of their offence if any. But NSA was invoked against them, which is brazen act of excesses. Hunger strike is being undertaken by mother of Amritpal Singh and parents of the other Sikhs demanding that they should be brought back to Punjab”.

“If they are not release, they should be shifted to Punjab jail at least, because they are facing torture in the jail. So, we demand from the Punjab Government that Bhai Amritpal Singh and other Sikhs should be shifted to Punjab jails”, he added.

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