The term ‘Bandi Singhs’ refers to Sikh prisoners convicted for their involvement in militancy during the Punjab insurgency of the 1990s.
The grant of a 21-day furlough to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Tuesday drew sharp reactions from Sikh religious and community leaders, who questioned why a rape convict was being released repeatedly while Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences remain behind bars.
Ram Rahim walked out of Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Tuesday. It was the 17th time he has come out of prison since his conviction in August 2017, and his third release this year after 30-day and 40-day paroles in May and January.
Ram Rahim is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples and is currently lodged in Sunaria jail in Haryana’s Rohtak.
Reacting to the furlough, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj criticised the decision. He said those jailed for heinous crimes like rape were being released “frequently” as if they were on a “picnic”, while ‘Bandi Singhs’ who had spent over 30 years in jail and completed their sentences were being denied parole.
Gargajj also said Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995, has not yet been granted parole to meet his ailing mother.
Several Sikh organisations have been demanding the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’ and parole for Hawara so that he can meet his mother. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already met the governor, favouring a 10-day parole for Hawara to meet her.
The term ‘Bandi Singhs’ refers to Sikh prisoners convicted for their involvement in militancy during the Punjab insurgency of the 1990s. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been holding a protest near Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, as part of its campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners.