Day 158 of Hunger Strike: Despite Critical Health, Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Firm on Prisoner Rights

CHANDIGARH, Punjab (June 23, 2015)—Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has entered 158th day of his hunger strike today. Despite critical health, Bapu Ji has remained steadfast in his demands. Yesterday, he wrote a letter in name of the Sikh Sangat expressing his firm stance on the release of political prisoners of all religions. Following is the translation of the letter –
Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Jains remain confined in various jails in Hindustan. [Many of them] have completed the sentences announced by the courts. Under its oppressive regime, the Punjab Government has kept many such persons imprisoned. I demand for their release at once.
The Punjab Government is trying to exploit me and my family using physical and mental torture. Without any reason, I was kept confined at the Ludhiana Hero Heart Hospital, and now the PGI, under surveillance of the Punjab Police.
Sikh Nation should have faith that I am son of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is my wish that my blood and last breath are used to free the imprisoned Sikhs, and help grow the plant of Sikhi.
Only after the release of imprisoned Sikhs will I have the honour to proclaim myself as a son of Bandi-Chhor Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Let alone a grain of food, since January 16, I have not even taken a medicine. Ever since I was transferred to the PGI, I have not had any medical examinations performed. I am only alive due to the simran and ardas by Sikhs living worldwide. Due to this, I am thankful to the Sikh Sangat.
Hungerstriker,

Surat Singh Khalsa
Dated June 21, 2015
Sangarsh Jaari Hai