Qaumi Insaaf Morcha completes 3 years, to escalate stir for release of Sikh detainees

Calling for wider participation, Bapu Gurcharan Singh appealed to social, religious and farmer organisations to formally join the morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee president Sukhwinder Singh Sabhrao and Krantikari Kisan union president Dr Darshan Pal urged farmer bodies and Sikh leaders to participate in the protest at least once every month. The proposal was accepted by the gathering amid slogans.

The speakers accused the present state government of failing to take a stand on the issue of detainees who have completed their sentences. “The government has not even raised its voice for the release of Bandi Singhs. It is functioning under directions from Delhi and has no respect for the sentiments of Punjabis and the Sikh community,” a speaker said. The continued incarceration of detainees despite completion of sentences and the detention of youths under the National Security Act without trial were cited as evidence of central interference.

The morcha announced that a letter would be sent to the Punjab BJP president, holding the party responsible for the situation. “A direct struggle will now be launched against the BJP. Protests will begin from party offices and will extend to demonstrations outside the residences of BJP leaders,” the organisers said.

Several farmer, labour, religious and social leaders attended the programme, including representatives of various farmer unions, Sikh organisations and civil society groups.

Anticipating a large turnout for the anniversary programme, the administration had deployed heavy police force, including reserve units, from different districts across Punjab.