90 Sikhs Arrested Protesting Sirsa Sauda Cult

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) workers protesting at Mansa

Mansa, Punjab (KP) – The already burgeoning list of cases against Sikhs in the Dera Sacha Sauda case has grown as the police recently arrested over ninety Sikhs who were peacefully protesting against the illegal activities of Gurmeet Ram Rahim and his Dera Sacha Sauda Cult. Although they received no complaints from the public, the arrests were made this past Saturday by Punjab Police merely on the grounds that the protestors had caused "a public inconvenience."

Early Saturday morning, a group of around two hundred protestors, who were being led by Gursevak Singh Jawaharke, Generel Secretary, Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar, disrupted traffic in order to show that the people of Punjab were still demanding the arrest of Gurmeet Ram Rahim who has continued to cause trouble for the Sikhs while making a mockery of law and order. During the blockade, several travelers who were passing by joined the peaceful protest against Dera Sacha Sauda. Also prompting the protests by the Sikh community was a recent announcement by the cult in which they publicized the opening of another major branch in Punjab.

Sikh protestors held that peaceful protest is the basic right of all human beings, especially those living in "democratic" countries, and that there is nothing wrong in standing against the wrong and unjust. A recent public speech by Singh Sahib Giani Gurbhachan Singh also supported peaceful protests against Dera Sacha Sauda. Interestingly, the newly appointed Jathedar has declared that the case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim will be heard after the 300th Gurta-Gaddi celebrations.

While a majority of Panthic organizations have continued to follow Akal Takhat Sahib's directive to boycott Dera Sacha Sauda, the Shiromani Akali Dal (B) has come under major criticism. Recently the party has inclined towards taking a weak stand against the Sirsa based cult merely to win votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Shiromani Akali Dal (A) has fired back announcing that Parkash and Sukhbir Badal's motives to let Gurmeet Ram Rahim off the hook will never be allowed to succeed.

According to recent statements by Giani Gurbhachan Singh, it was true that the Dera Sacha Sauda had approached Akal Takhat Sahib to offer an apology. But in what words the apology was offered was not disclosed by the Akal Takhat Sahib's appointed Jathedar. He alleged that no decisions will be taken against the Dera without consulting other Panthic organizations first.

Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (A) has appealed to Sikhs worldwide to continue protesting the activities of Dera Sacha Sauda. According to a recent press statement, if the arrested Sikh protesters are not released and their charges aren’t dropped, the organization will launch a massive morcha to initiate similar protests all across Punjab once again.

Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh allege abuse in Police custody

Amritsar Sahib (KP) – During the court hearing held this past week in the Ajit Phoola execution case, the accused, Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh, alleged that they are being deprived of basic necessities in jail. Both Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh, who were previously barred in Jail, are responsible for bringing the pseudo-Nihang Ajit Phoola to justice after they were enticed by police officials.

The hearing was held in the court of Sh. Harsh Mehta (Chief Judicial Magistrate) in Sri Amritsar. Along with Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh, six others were presented in the court of the honorable judge to submit their statements. However, when asked to record their statements, both Navtej Singh and Harchand Singh refused to testify. They however put to light the horrifying tales of the treatment they have faced at the hands of police officers after Phoola's slaying.

Navtej Singh alleged that he is forced to spend time in a dark and isolated area of the jail. He is forced to stay there without any supply of water or other necessities. In addition, he is often interrogated and physically and mentally abused by police officers. He is forced to remain thirsty and hungry for long periods of time which has worsened his health. According to Navtej Singh, just before presenting them in the court, he and his associate Harchand Singh were abused. Navtej Singh labeled his and Harchand Singh’s treatment by the police as being no different from the way animals would be treated by an insane person.

Judge Sh. Harsh Mehta held that he would order an inquiry into the matter. He further presented this case to Sessions Judge Sh. S.P. Bangar. Furthermore, the next court hearing was announced to take place on October 9 in which these matters will be discussed at a greater depth.

The type of treatment Navtej Singh and Harchand singh are facing from the Police certainly needs an inquiry at a high level. According to reports by multiple human rights organizations, police often use physical controls during "interrogation sessions." During the 80’s and early 90’s, many harsh techniques were used by the police, which in turn also resulted in the deaths of many.

Sikh organizations based in Punjab should keep a close eye on all developments in this case. Harchand Singh and Navtej Singh's case could solve many complexities as it puts a question to the role of several senior police officers in the murders of Sikh freedom fighters.