HIS DEATH WON’T GO IN VAIN, SAYS AKAL TAKHT JATHEDAR

A day after Haryana-based Sikh activist Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, 52, committed suicide by jumping off a water tank at his native village Thaska Ali in Haryana’s Kurukshetra, Akal Takht on Wednesday said his death will not go in vain and his struggle will be escalated to ensure the release of Sikh prisoners.

Mourning over Khalsa’ death, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said his death was a loss to the entire community.

He said, “Though committing suicide is against the Sikh principles, Khalsa, besides being a struggling warrior, was also a wellwisher of the panth and sentimental towards its cause.”

“He was the man who raised his voice against imprisonment of Sikhs languishing in different jails across the country. It is due to his contribution that several Sikh prisoners could come out on paroles,” the jathedar said.

He added: “Protesters usually climb atop water tanks to press for their demands. Khalsa also did the same. What made him jump off is a matter that needs to be investigated and action must be taken against those responsible for his death.”