Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called for a seven-hour Punjab bandh from 7 am to 2 pm on Friday to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain behind bars. The protest is also seeking parole and release for several Sikh prisoners convicted in high-profile cases.
Among the Morcha’s key demands is the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who was sentenced to death in 2007 in the former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh assassination case. His execution has been deferred several times.
The protesters are also demanding the release and parole of Jagtar Singh Hawara, whose death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2010. Other prisoners whose release is being sought include Jagtar Singh Tara, serving a life sentence, and Paramjit Singh Bheora, who was sentenced to death.
The Morcha has also raised the case of Devender Pal Singh Bhullar, who was convicted in connection with the 1993 Delhi car bombing targeting M.S. Bitta.
Another major demand is the release of Gurdeep Singh Khera, who was sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment for a 2010 conspiracy involving the escape of a prisoner and an attack on police personnel.
The Morcha says the bandh is aimed at pressing the government to address the issue of Sikh prisoners who remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences.
