Melbourne, (December 9, 2013): HUNDREDS of Sikhs gathered in front of Indian Consultate in Melbourne today to oppose the arrest of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, who is on the 25th day of his Hunger Strike to release Sikh prisoners who have already completed their prison sentence.
It is notable that Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who started his Hunger Strike at Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Mohali on November 14. He announced that his strike would continue till the six Sikh political prisoners are released. They include Lakhvinder Singh, Shamsher Singh and Gurmit Singh, who received life terms in 1995 for their involvement in the assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The other two – Lal Singh and Gurdip Singh– received life sentences after being convicted by TADA courts.
Protesters were carrying banners in solidarity with Bhai Gurbaksh Singh. Bhai Harpreet Singh & Bhai Harman Singh, who were two of the coordinators of the protest said that the protest will just not end here, but will continue further to keep Sikhs across Australia awakened about the discrimination happening with Sikhs.
Daljeet Singh, a Sikh activist said in his brief speech that day to day betrayal of Sikhs in India is provoking them to draw a line for the establishment of Sikh state. He also said that the discrimination by Indian Government to Sikhs has made him feel ashamed of calling himself as an ‘Indian’ and he stated that “Sikhs are no longer Indians since 1984“.
Paramjeet Singh and Gurinder Kaur addressed the gathering about the background of discrimination and oppressions done to Sikhs by Indian & State Government. Gurinder Kaur also mentioned about the illegal activities of Punjab Government through which they entered Gurudwara Amb Sahib, Mohali and also arrested Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.
Among other speakers were Bhai Kamaldeep Singh, Bhai Gursharan Singh, Bibi Amanpreet Kaur, Bhai Joga Singh, Bhai Harman Singh and more (names not known at this time).
Sikh Sangat across Australia collected signatures on the petition addressed to Indian & Punjab Government, at various Gurudwaras across Australia. A copy of this petition along with signatures was submitted to the Consulate General of India, Melbourne, Ms. Manika Jain, by a team of representatives from various Sikh temples in Melbourne. Ms. Jain has promised with Sikh Group that she will address this issue with Indian Government and send a reply to the Gurudwara Committees in Melbourne.
Further strategy to this protest will be discussed by Sikh Sangat and updated on our website.