By A Staff Reporter AMRITSAR: Trial of 46 alleged militants arrested during the Operation Black Thunder was adjourned to August 17 as the Sessions Judge could not hold the designated court in Central High Security jail here today because he was not provided security escort.
JS.Sidhu who has been appointed special judge for the trial of the Black Thunder detainees refused to attend the first sitting of the designated court in the jail premises without adequate security on way to the court. As the police escorts did not turn up even after a wait for two hours, the judge passed the adjournment order from the Sessions court.
Talking to newsmen, Sidhu maintained that he had requisitioned the escort for the dates of hearings about a month ago, and even sent a reminder to the SSP yesterday. The district police chief maintained that the security requirement of the judge would had to be evaluated before sanctioning the staff.
During today’s hearing the charge sheets were to be served on the Black Thunder accused who are facing trial on charges of waging war against the country in all 111 persons were charged with various crimes after they had surrendered during the 10 day gun battle in the Golden Temple complex which was attacked by the para military forces. While, two of them had died in the jail, 63 others were relieved of the charges of waging war. The prominent among those facing trial are Malkiat Singh, Ajnala, Nishan Singh, Nirwair Singh, Bhag Singh, Chanchal Singh and Sukhdev Singh Gorenangal.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 4, 1989
