JODHPUR: Our release from jail is not an issue. The real issue is the grant of autonomy to Punjab in accordance with the principles laid down in the Anandpur Saheb resolution. This summed up the political attitude of the local jail inmates belonging to Punjab whom I accompanied by Mr. Gurdev Singh a friend from Ludhiana met on December 61985.
We had a talk for about an hour with the representatives of Sikh youths who have been detained here since June1984 and have been accused by the Government of India of waging war against the Indian State. The representatives included Bhai Manjit Singh President of the All India Sikh Students Federation Mr. harminder Singh Sandhu General Secretary Mr.Amarjit Singh Chawla Joint Secretary Mr.Rajinder Singh Mehta Organising Secretary Mr. Wirsa Singh Valtoha Office Secretary and Mr Jasbir Singh Ghuman an executive member.
A relaxed atmosphere
The meeting atmosphere was quite relaxed. The jail authorities no longer breathe down your shoulders although before allowing we in us were thoroughly searched to the extent to touching our private body parts. Paper wrappers of soap cakes are opened by the authorities even toothbrushes cannot be allowed in with packing’s f on. No paper pen or currency is permitted to be taken in.
All the six leaders of the A.I.S.S.F greeted us with jaikaras when they were brought in a small interview room with as many chairs as we were inside All of them had turbans and were brimming with confidence.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 25, 1991
