Social activists demand release of Pak teenager acquitted by court

Ludhiana: In solidarity with the young 16-year-old Pakistani boy who was lodged in a Hoshiarpur jail, despite the release order by court, a large number of like-minded people assembled at Leisure Valley in Sarabha Nagar on Sunday and sought his release. The large number of youngsters of Initiators of Change and other organisations, and social activists joined the assembly and requested the Government of India to release the boy. The youngsters formed a human chain and also carried out a peace march from Sarabha Nagar to Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Nagar, Model Town Extension.

Initiators of Change founder Gouravdeep Singh, the main organizer of the event, informed that they came to know from media reports that the teenager — Mubarshar Bilal from Pakistan — who crossed the border unintentionally two years ago, was later acquitted by the Tarn Taran Court in 2018. He added that through the event, they wanted to request the Government of India to release the boy as a goodwill gesture, and help him meet his family.

Naib Shahi Imam Usmaan Ludhianvi, who also attended the event, said as the court had acquitted the boy, the government should release him as a peace gesture. He added that the Government of Pakistan had also released a native of Malerkotla who crossed the border from the Indian side accidentally. “Now, the Government of India should release Bilal,” he demanded.

Social activist Lakha Sidhana said this was not an issue of Sikh, Hindu, or Muslim boy, but that of humanity, and demanded the government to release Bilal. Echoing his feeling on the issue, Mohak Thukral, a law student of Model Town, said, “I believe the youth force standing for humanity and justice is a big step towards peace building for both countries. Not only Bilal, but all innocent youngsters in jails in both countries should be sent back.”

The event was supported by Gurmat Gian Missionary College, Alliance of Sikh Organisation, Harley Davidson Group, Jawa Bikers Club, Project Kushal Society, Donor’s Choice (NGO), and others.

PLACARDS FOR JUSTICE

The participants were holding placards with messages like ‘Peace and Humanity above Hatred and Injustice’, ‘I stand with 16-year-old Bilal’, and ‘Acquitted by court, justice done by law’, justice delayed by the government’.