Who are Bandi Singhs?

March 1, 2023

There are protests in Punjab to release the Bandi Sikhs, who are prisoners. The Bandi Sikhs are in jail for more than 30 years now. They have been imprisoned for various convictions.

Who are Bandi Singhs?

Bandi Singhs is the common term given to Sikh prisoners who were convicted for being involved in militant activities in the Indian state of Punjab. These individuals are still incarcerated in various jails across India.

Protests related to Bandi Singhs

Activists are urging for the release of Bandi Singhs since the militancy in Punjab has been wiped out in the 1990s and the convicted individuals have been spending over 3 decades in jails while suffering from physical and mental ailments. Campaigns are being conducted in Punjab to ensure the release of these prisoners.

What is the recent protest about Bandi Singhs?

The Bandi Singhs issue has remained a religiopolitical issue in the state and recently, the Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee launched a massive signature campaign seeking their release. The issue is popping up now for political reasons. The Shiromani Akali Dal is allied with the SGPC and the BJP trying to woo the Punjab voters. The protest is mainly against the AAP government.

Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee

It is an organization that manages Gurudwaras. It looks after Gurudwaras in the states of Punjab and HP. Also, it administers the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. It was founded by the Akali leadership in 1920. The Akali movement launched during the 1920s led to the introduction of the Sikh Gurudwara Bill in 1925. The bill put the Sikh temples in the country under the control of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee.

What do the protestors want?

According to the protestors, the prisoners have spent more than 30 years in jail. During the punishment period, they faced several hardships. So the protestors are asking the Government of Punjab to release those prisoners who are physically and mentally unfit.

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