SPRINGFIELD: Wi: Sardar Jasbir Singh Sandhu ended his indefinite hunger strike on the 20th day of his fast after the prison authorities agreed to allow him to wear his turban both in the dining commons and at the time of his meetings with his relations and friends the places where the wearing of turban was not allowed earlier.
In return the Sikh inmates promised to educate the guards about the significance of the turban in the Sikh religion and to avoid hazards to their safety. They also agreed that they will not object to any discreet or respectful search if the prison authorities deem it necessary.
Mr. Quilan, Dr. Naunihal/Singh and S, Gurdey SinghSandhu (Jasbir Singh’s brother) had a conference call to assure Jasbir Singh about the spirit and the contents of the agreement which was duly signed by the Prison Director in consolations with the lawyers.
S.Jasbir Singh reportedly ended his fast in the presence of his brother Gurdev Singh Sandhu, S. Makhan Singh, President Sikh Youth Federation of New York, S. Surinderpal Singh Kalra, S. Daljit Singh Jawa (both members of W.S.O. National Council) and Sar dar Pur. On behalf of W.S.O. Dr. Naunihal Singh thanked all sections of the Sikh community especially the sangats of Chicago, Milwaukee and Kansas aras, for extending their full cooperation in winning the battle for the turban. He also congratulated Jasbir Singh’s parents for demonstrating exemplary endurance and a deep sense of sacrifice all through the twenty day ordeal.
Orange juice was offered to him by the Panj Pyaras clothed in their traditional yellow colored robes. Before the ceremony Chaupai and Anand Sahib was recited and prayer (Ardas) was offered.
After that Jasbir Singh was presented with a saropa by the Panj Pyaras. Jasbir Singh looked weak but was in high spirits.
A large number of Sikh sangat, newspaper and television media was looking through the glass windows. It was an impressive ceremony. After the ceremony, Jasbir Singh talked with the Panj Pyaras for thirty minutes.
Sukhminder Singh and Virinder Singh contacted World Sikh News and conveyed their heartiest thanks to all the Sikh sangat for their concern and exemplary help.
It is also learnt that the wife of S. Amolakh Singh (a friend of Jasbir Singh) of New Orleans has also gone on a private fast in sympathy with Jasbir Singh which she ended after seven days simultaneously with Jasbir Singh.
It is for the first time in the history of U.S. Sikhs that a Sikh has successfully registered the significance of Sikh religious symbols with the U.S. authorities through the peaceful and self-sacrificing process of a fast.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 7, 1987
