Chandigarh/Milpitas(California): Anger was evoked among the Punjabi Diaspora over the use of tear gas and water cannons by Chandigarh Police against peaceful protesters who were demanding the release of Bandi Sikh prisoners. This was disclosed here by Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), in a press release issued here today. While condemning the Chandigarh police for this action, Chahal said that
It is deeply disturbing that citizens exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest were met with force instead of dialogue. The protesters were raising a longstanding humanitarian and legal issue concerning Sikh prisoners who, despite having completed their sentences or becoming eligible for release under applicable rules, continue to remain incarcerated. Their demand deserves to be heard with seriousness and sensitivity, not suppressed through tear gas and water cannons.
“Using tear gas and water against peaceful protesters demanding justice for Bandi Sikhs is unacceptable in a democratic society,” said Chahal, “The government and police should protect the right to peaceful assembly rather than treating citizens demanding justice as a threat to public order. A democratic government must listen to its people, especially when they are raising questions about prolonged incarceration and human rights. added Chahal
He further said that the use of force only deepens mistrust between the Sikh community and law-enforcement agencies. If the administration has concerns about public order, those concerns should be addressed through communication, negotiation and lawful procedures rather than excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
The issue of Bandi Sikh prisoners has remained unresolved for years and has generated considerable concern among Sikh communities in India and abroad. NAPA believes that the government must review each case transparently and ensure that decisions regarding continued imprisonment are made strictly according to law, constitutional principles and established remission and release policies.
Chahal further urged the Chandigarh administration and police leadership to investigate the circumstances that led to the use of tear gas and water cannons and to ensure that such action is not repeated against peaceful protesters.
“Nobody should be punished for peacefully demanding justice. The answer to a peaceful voice cannot be tear gas; the answer must be dialogue and accountability,” Chahal said.
NAPA called upon the Punjab and Chandigarh administrations, as well as the relevant judicial and prison authorities, to initiate a meaningful dialogue with representatives of the Sikh community and examine the cases of eligible Bandi Sikh prisoners without political bias or unnecessary delay.
NAPA reiterates that peaceful protest is a democratic right, and demanding justice for prisoners through peaceful means should never be met with state force.