Why Sikh prisoners remain a politically potent issue in Punjab

The issue of Sikh prisoners, often referred to as "Bandi Singhs," remains a significant political concern in Punjab. This matter came to the forefront recently when the Intelligence Bureau informed the Supreme Court that moving Jagtar Singh Hawara to a Punjab jail could potentially influence the state's upcoming Assembly elections. The Supreme Court has temporarily postponed its decision on Hawara's transfer, with the matter set to be revisited on February 22, 2027.

This demand for Sikh prisoners to be transferred to jails within Punjab has been a recurring theme for the past fourteen years. Protesters have employed various tactics, including fasts, marches, and sit-ins, to push their cause. In 2023, a significant demonstration took place at the Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Mohali, with Qaumi Insaaf Morcha activists marching towards Chandigarh, demanding the release of prisoners who have served more than the standard sentence for a life term.

The Chandigarh Police intervened, prompting a widespread indefinite agitprop. Despite repeated demonstrations, progress has been slow. In 2013, hunger strikes by activists Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa and Surat Singh Khalsa brought the issue to the forefront of Punjab's political discourse. The Bargari Morcha's three demands included the release of Sikh prisoners.

While some prisoners have been granted release, remission, or parole, the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha remains focused on nine prisoners who have served between 15 and 31 years. Among these, only a few have been granted parole. For instance, Dilbagh Singh was released in 2018, Nand Singh in 2019, Lal Singh in 2020, Daya Singh Lahoria on permanent parole in 2021, and Harnek Singh Bhap in 2024.

The release of prisoners like Gurmeet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, and Gurdeep Singh Khera has been facilitated through various means, including appeals, pardons, and parole. However, four prisoners from the list have never received parole: Paramjit Singh Bheora, Balwant Singh Rajoana, Hawara, and Jagtar Singh alias Tara.

Hawara and Jagtar Singh have spent over thirty years in prison and continue to be held under pending cases. Balwant Singh Rajoana, who has served over thirty years, is serving a life sentence and remains under no parole conditions.