Morcha seeks release of ‘Bandi Singhs’, holds dharna at toll plazas

Jalandhar, January 20

Members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha today staged a protest across 13 toll plazas for the release of Sikh prisoners. Accusing the Centre and the state government of not making efforts in this regard, they raised slogans against them.

The protesters laid siege to the toll plazas and did not allow the staff to charge toll tax from commuters between 11 am and 2 pm. Speaking at a toll plaza between Shahkot and Moga, Gurdev Singh, a member of the morcha, said, “We are seeking the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana (convict in former CM Beant Singh’s killing) and others as they are wrongly being made to languish behind bars even after completion of their sentences.”

The agitators said they are also demanding justice in sacrilege incidents and killing of two youths in 2015. The protesters added that they would intensify their agitation in the coming days.

Protests were held at 13 toll plazas — Shahkot in Jalandhar, Ladhowal near Ludhiana, Azizpur in Patiala, Behram in Nawanshahr, Ferozeshah in Ferozepur, Talwandi Bhai and Ghulal in Faridkot, Dhareri in Mohali, Bhagomajra in Kharar, and in Kurali.