DIBRUGARH: Amritpal Singh, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, has initiated an indefinite hunger strike inside Dibrugarh jail in Assam. What sets this protest apart is the participation of nine fellow detainees alongside him, all united in their cause. Their collective demonstration is rooted in their claims of alleged restrictions placed on their chosen lawyer's access to them while in custody.
Amritpal Singh's wife, Kirandeep Kaur, has also taken a bold step in solidarity with her husband and the detainees who have been detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). She has embarked on her own hunger strike outside the prison walls, drawing attention to the dire situation her husband and others are facing.
The catalyst for this hunger strike was the reported denial of access to their chosen lawyer, Rajdev Singh, within the jail premises. The detainees penned a letter to the Dibrugarh jail superintendent on September 28, expressing their profound dissatisfaction with the actions of Amritsar deputy commissioner (DC). They accused the DC of obstructing Rajdev's visit to the jail, sparking outrage among the detainees.
In response to the allegations, DC Amit Talwar clarified that detainees have the inherent right to meet with an advocate of their choice, as stipulated by the detenue order. He explained that Amritpal Singh had already met with advocate Navkiran Singh, and it was his subsequent request to meet Rajdev Khalsa that had led to the dispute. Navkiran had already been granted access, and the detainees were asserting their right to choose their legal representation.
This unfolding situation in Dibrugarh jail underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding legal access for detainees and the broader issue of human rights. The hunger strike initiated by Amritpal Singh and his fellow detainees is a powerful expression of their determination to assert their rights and seek justice in a situation that has garnered significant attention and scrutiny.
As the hunger strike continues, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the detainees' demands and whether a resolution can be reached to address their concerns regarding lawyer access. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding civil liberties, detention practices, and the role of the legal system in ensuring justice for all.
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