>>I DON’T SPEAK FOR SIKH PRISONERS ALONE:

LUDHIANA: Surat Singh Khalsa, who is on fast since January 16 for the release of Sikhs who have completed their normal prison sentences, has sought support from social and political organisations, saying it’s not just a Sikh cause.

Addressing the media on Sunday before the police detained him, Khalsa said his struggle was for the prisoners of all religions. “Sikhs, being emotionally attached to the cause, have joined the protest, so the impression is that I speak for them alone, but I want all prisoners serving extended jail terms to be free,” said Khalsa.

On Monday, independent legislator Simarjit Singh Bains and members of Team Insaaf had visited Khalsa, who has alleged that Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal is ruining the state for power and his son, Sukhbir Singh Badal.

He also condemned Sunday’s clash at Ajnala between his radical supporters and the police. “I am against violence,” he said, “The Sikh organisations, who had gathered to just pray, were provoked when the police stopped them. Holding peaceful protest is a democratic right.”

ADDRESSING THE MEDIA, KHALSA SAID HIS STRUGGLE WAS FOR THE PRISONERS OF ALL RELIGIONS