National

Bapu Surat Singh Campaign

24th June 2015

1688

Hunger Strike Reaches 160th Day

Thousands of people from across the globe have launched an online campaign directed at the Indian government. Social media has been ablaze with tweets surrounding the ill treatment of Sikh political prisoners who have been kept in prison, despite them serving their full sentence.

Part of the campaign is also directed towards raising awareness of 82-year-old civil activist, Bapu Surat Singh, who has been on hunger strike since January 16. Known as Bapu Ji, he is demanding the release of Sikh prisoners and protesting against their illegal detention. He was recently transferred to PGI after his condition deteriorated. However, has now been discharged.

Jagraon SSP Ravcharan Singh Brar said doctors had taken him home. “Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa is on fast and told the doctors that he would not take food or nutrition.”

Supporters of the campaign have voiced their anger at the Indian government who are refusing to take action. Celebrities which have backed the movement include Gurdaas Maan and Jaz Dhami among others.

A spokesperson of the UK based Sikh Network, who have been running the campaign, said greater awareness needed to be raised. “It was necessary to hold this twitter campaign as the mainstream media had failed to cover the story of an 82-year-old grandfather who has been on hunger strike for over 160 days.

“This campaign allows humanitarians all around the world to show and stand in solidarity with Bapu Surat Singh and his cause to free all political prisoners who have served terms beyond their sentences, especially minorities in India.”

To follow up on their previous Twitter campaigns, the group will be holding another ‘Twitter Storm’ on Sunday 28th June at 6pm. To get involved, users can follow @bapusuratsingh on Twitter, whilst a new hashtag will be revealed at that time.

Last week’s twitter campaign:

Not jus Sikhs but everyone who believes in humanity should support Bapu Surat Singh Ji – free Sikh political prisoners #TweetBapuji

— JAZ DHAMI (@THEJAZDHAMI) June 21, 2015