Jagtar Singh Hawara’s Jail Video Surfaces Ahead of Mohali Protest March
A video message attributed to Jagtar Singh Hawara has surfaced ahead of the planned protest march in Mohali. In the video, Hawara appealed to participants to maintain peace and discipline during the march.
Mohali: A video message attributed to Jagtar Singh Hawara has surfaced on social media ahead of a protest march planned in Mohali on August 15. In the video, Hawara appealed to participants to maintain peace and ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the march.
The video, which is around two minutes long, was released by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha late on Friday night. According to the report, it appears to have been recorded at the Delhi prison where Hawara is currently lodged.
The protest march has been announced by various Sikh organisations under the banner of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. The groups are demanding the release of Jagtar Singh Hawara and other Bandi Singhs who have remained in prison for several years. Some of the prisoners are also being described by the organisers as having completed their sentences.
In his video message, Hawara urged those taking part in the march to follow the directions of the organisers and maintain discipline. He particularly appealed to Sikh youth to volunteer during the protest and help ensure that the demonstration remains peaceful.
Hawara also called upon Sikh and Panthic leaders to take responsibility for maintaining order during the march and providing proper direction on issues being raised by the protesters.
Security Arrangements in Mohali and Chandigarh
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha had announced that the protest march would begin from Mohali at 11:30 am and proceed towards Punjab Lok Bhawan, the residence of the Punjab Governor.
In view of the planned march, Chandigarh Police increased security arrangements along the Mohali-Chandigarh border and other sensitive areas. Authorities have taken measures to prevent protesters from entering Chandigarh and to maintain law and order during the Independence Day celebrations.
Hawara’s Parole Issue
The video came amid renewed discussion over Hawara’s parole. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria had earlier said that a recommendation had been made on humanitarian grounds to allow Hawara to meet his ailing mother.
Hawara had also declined a two-day parole approved by the Delhi prison authorities, according to the report. The issue of his parole has also been considered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the concerned authorities to process the application within specified timelines.
Hawara is serving a life sentence in connection with the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. His death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Meanwhile, the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has continued its protest in Mohali, with the demand for Hawara’s release and transfer to a Punjab jail forming a central part of its campaign.