January 7th, 2015
NDP statement on Gurbakash Singh Khalsa
Official Opposition Human Rights Critic Wayne Marston (Hamilton East – Stoney Creek) made the following statement today:
New Democrats are concerned about the condition of Gurbakash Singh, a peaceful
protestor in Punjab who has been on hunger strike for 54 days since November
14, 2014 to highlight the treatment of prisoners detained under
counterinsurgency laws in India.
The Punjabi-Canadian community has expressed serious concern about the plight
of prisoners currently in detention, including Professor Devinderpal Singh
Bhullar. Many are worried about reported irregularities in the
application of the law, including holding prisoners beyond the normal term of
their sentences.
New Democrats call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs to send a clear message
to the government of India that the human rights of all those in custody must
be respected.