Dibrugarh central jail in Assam: Detainees under the National Security Act (NSA) in Punjab have initiated a hunger strike at Dibrugarh central jail in Assam, aiming to shed light on the alleged unacceptable conditions they face. The hunger strike involves prominent pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh and his nine fellow detainees, who refuse to eat in protest against the inadequate facilities and absence of basic amenities at the jail.
During her regular visit, Amritpal Singh's wife, Kirandeep Kaur, who holds UK citizenship, expressed her concerns regarding the detainees' situation. She revealed that they were being denied the right to make phone calls and were being served unhygienic food. Kaur also criticized the use of tobacco by the cooking staff, which contradicts Sikh religious practices.
Kaur placed blame on the Punjab government for prohibiting communication between the detainees and their families and lawyers, resulting in financial burdens for the families who must travel to Dibrugarh jail to meet their loved ones. Jail authorities responded to the allegations by stating that the detainees were provided with standard meals, suggesting that Amritpal's recent assertiveness and demands contributed to his dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, language barriers have complicated communication between the detainees and jail authorities, with no interpreter available to bridge the gap.
The hunger strike represents a desperate attempt by the Punjab NSA detainees to bring attention to their circumstances and advocate for improved living conditions and equitable treatment during their detention in Dibrugarh jail.
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