Release 22 Sikh prisoners, Hawara panel asks Prez

Jalandhar, September 22

Giving the reference of the acquittal of the four Punjab Police personnel convicted for life term sentence, members of the Jagtar Singh Hawara Committee today sought application for the release of the 22 Sikh political prisoners who are also convicted for a life term. Therefore, in a memorandum to the President, they appealed that on the eve of 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev, the prisoners should be released under Article 72 of Indian Constitution.

Baljinder Singh, the spokesperson for the committee, said the 22 prisoners convicted under various crimes should be given a chance to spend the rest of their lives with their families.

“The prisoners also maintained good conduct in jails as well as during paroles availed by them. Besides 12 prisoners have also completed more than 20 years of incarceration,” he said.

He said the four police personnel were released from judicial custody even after two-four years of incarceration.

“Though awarded with life sentence by a special court of the CBI in a false encounter murder case, they were acquitted by the special powers of the Governor. Hence, we demand that the powers of the President should be used to grant pardon to the political prisoners.

They also declared to have forwarded the copy of the memorandum to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, CJI and the Chairman National Human Rights Commission. — TNS