LUCKNOW:
In solidarity with Sikh activist Gurubaksh Singh Khalsa who has been
on a hunger strike for the past 58 days demanding release of Sikh
prisoners lodged in jails beyond their prison term, many Sikh
families in the city have decided to keep Tuesday's Lohri
celebrations a low-key affair.
On Monday, members of
Lucknow Gurudwara Organising Committee also organised a candle march
in this regard. The protest included more than 200 people including
men, women and children. Starting from Gurudwara Lalbagh and passing
through Mayfair, the march finally culminated at GPO,
Hazratganj.
Resident of New Ganeshganj Lakhwinder Pal
Singh, who was spotted at the candle march, said, "Unlike
previous years when we used to throw a lavish party and organise a
musical night, this year my family has decided that we will not
indulge in any kind of extravagant celebrations on
Lohri."
"Instead, we will collectively pray
for the release of the Sikh prisoners and also for the health of
Gurubaksh Singh Khalsa," he added.
Likewise,
Gurmeet Kaur is another Sikh devout who has decided not to celebrate
the festival. "The day the government frees the Sikh prisoners
languishing in jails unfairly will be the biggest festival for Sikhs
across the globe," she said.