Sikh prisoners to be shifted to state jails

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 13

The Congress government has initiated the process to get Sikh prisoners lodged in other states transferred to state jails. The government has issued a no-objection certificate to the Rajasthan Government for the transfer of Harnek Singh Bhapp, who is lodged in a Rajasthan jail for the alleged kidnapping of Congress leader Rajendra Mirdha in 1995.

“The matter is being handled on a case-to-case basis,” said a senior official. The development follows a meeting between the CM and a delegation led by parallel Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal. He has been seeking the release of 20 Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail terms.

Rural Development Minister Tript Rajinder Bajwa, who had persuaded radical leaders to end protest in Bargari, said efforts were being made to transfer Sikh prisoners to Punjab jails, wherever possible. They can then be released on parole. Of 20 prisoners, six are lodged in Delhi, UP and Rajasthan jails and 14 are lodged in state jails. The government is also contemplating to set up a parole board.