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{{BLP sources|date=May 2015}}
{{Short description|Indian civil rights and political activist (1933–2025)}}
 
{{More citations needed|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
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| name=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa
| name=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa
| image          = Surat_Singh_Khalsa.jpg
| image          = Surat_Singh_Khalsa.jpg
| caption        =  
| caption        = Khalsa in 2015
| birth_date    = {{birth date and age|1933|3|07|df=y}}
| birth_date    = {{birth date|1933|3|07|df=y}}
| birth_place    = Hassanpur, [[Ludhiana]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[India]]
| birth_place    = Hassanpur, [[Ludhiana district]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab Province]], [[British India]]
| nationality = [[India]]n
| death_date    = {{death date and age|2025|01|14|1933|3|07|df=y}}
| occupation    = [[Civil rights]] [[activism|activist]], political [[activism|activist]]
| death_place    =  
|known_for = Hunger strike against [[detention of political prisoners]]  
| occupation    = Civil rights and political activist
| known_for     = Hunger strike against detention of [[political prisoners]]  
| parents        = Sardar Santokh Singh (father)<br />Bibi Prem Kaur(mother)
| parents        = Sardar Santokh Singh (father)<br />Bibi Prem Kaur(mother)
}}
}}


'''Surat Singh Khalsa''' (born 7 March 1933), also known as "'''Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa'''" is a civil rights and political activist, from the Indian state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]. Surat Singh Khalsa has been involved with various political struggles related to [[Sikhs]] in [[Punjab]], however he is currently in the limelight for a hunger strike<ref>{{cite news|title=Surat Singh Khalsa's message to Sikh Nation|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/03/13/day-57-bapu-surat-singh-khalsas-message-to-khalsa-panth-panthik-leaders-hold-meeting}}</ref> as a form of peaceful protest against illegal and prolonged detention of political prisoners.
'''Surat Singh Khalsa''' (7 March 1933 – 14 January 2025), also known as '''Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa''', was a civil rights and political activist from the Indian state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]. Surat Singh Khalsa was involved with various political struggles related to [[Sikhs]] in [[Punjab]], however, he was in the mid-2010s in the limelight for a hunger strike<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-03-13 |title=Surat Singh Khalsa's message to Sikh Nation |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/03/13/day-57-bapu-surat-singh-khalsas-message-to-khalsa-panth-panthik-leaders-hold-meeting |work=Sikh24}}</ref> as a form of peaceful protest against illegal and prolonged detention of [[political prisoners]].


==Hunger Strike==
==Hunger strike==
On 16 January 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa began a [[hunger strike]] which is still ongoing.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hunger Strike of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Concludes 110th Day|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/05/05/hunger-strike-of-bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-concludes-110th-day/#.VVE05PnF-So}}</ref> He has refused food and water to seek the release of Sikh political prisoners who have completed their court sentences. Where he is seeking release of Sikh political prisoners, he has also called for unconditional release of prisoners of all religions who have completed their terms.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Writes Open Letter to Indian Prime Minister Modi|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/12/bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-writes-open-letter-to-indian-prime-minister-modi/}}</ref>
On 16 January 2015, Khalsa began a [[hunger strike]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-05-05 |title=Hunger Strike of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Concludes 110th Day |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/05/05/hunger-strike-of-bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-concludes-110th-day/#.VVE05PnF-So |work=Sikh24}}</ref> He refused food and water to seek the release of Sikh political prisoners who have completed their court sentences. He also called for the unconditional release of prisoners of all religions who have completed their terms.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |date=2015-02-12 |title=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Writes Open Letter to Indian Prime Minister Modi |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/12/bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-writes-open-letter-to-indian-prime-minister-modi/ |work=Sikh24}}</ref>


On 11 February 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa wrote an open letter to Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Writes Open Letter to Indian Prime Minister Modi|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/12/bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-writes-open-letter-to-indian-prime-minister-modi/}}</ref> explaining the motive of his hunger strike. In his letter, Surat Singh Khalsa summed up his demands in two points
On 11 February 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa wrote an open letter to Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] explaining the motive of his hunger strike.<ref name=":0" /> In his letter, Surat Singh Khalsa summed up his demands in two points:
# Treat all Sikh prisoners –under trials and those sentenced in cases relating to the Sikh struggle- as political prisoners and
# Treat all Sikh prisoners – under trials and those sentenced in cases relating to the Sikh struggle – as [[political prisoners]].
# Release all prisoners who have completed their full jail terms and are legitimately due for release, exactly in the same manner, as other prisoners are so released in various other parts of the country.
# Release all prisoners who have completed their full jail terms and are legitimately due for release, exactly in the same manner, as other prisoners are released in various other parts of the country.


A number of [[Sikh Political Prisoners]] are languishing in jails despite having completed their sentences. Many of these prisoners are released on parole on yearly basis. These prisoners can be granted permanent parole or be released on bail as there are no pending charges against them. In addition, Surat Singh Khalsa is seeking release of senior citizens based on humanitarian grounds. There are at least 8 such prisoners who have been sentenced under the [[Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act]] for their involvement in a bank robbery case that took place in Ludhiana.<ref>{{cite news|title=Convicted under TADA, aged Sikhs prisoners languishing in Indian jails|url=http://sikhsiyasat.net/2014/11/24/convicted-under-tada-aged-sikhs-prisoners-languishing-in-indian-jails/}}</ref> This law has already lapsed and has been deemed as controversial by human rights organizations, as well as the United Nations.<ref>{{cite web|title=TADA: Report by Human Rights Watch & Ensaaf|url=http://www.ensaaf.org/publications/other/HRW-PunjabinCrisis.pdf}}</ref>
A number of Sikh political prisoners are languishing in jails despite having completed their sentences. Many of these prisoners are released on parole on a yearly basis. These prisoners can be granted permanent parole or be released on bail as there are no pending charges against them. In addition, Surat Singh Khalsa was seeking the release of senior citizens based on humanitarian grounds. There are at least 8 such prisoners who have been sentenced under the [[Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act]] for their involvement in a bank robbery case that took place in [[Ludhiana]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2014-11-24 |title=Convicted under TADA, aged Sikhs prisoners languishing in Indian jails |url=http://sikhsiyasat.net/2014/11/24/convicted-under-tada-aged-sikhs-prisoners-languishing-in-indian-jails/ |work=sikhsiyasat.net}}</ref> This law has already lapsed. It has been deemed as controversial by human rights organizations, as well as the [[United Nations]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TADA: Report by Human Rights Watch & Ensaaf|url=http://www.ensaaf.org/publications/other/HRW-PunjabinCrisis.pdf}}</ref>


On 5 December 2015, a viral video began circulating showing a man purported to be Khalsa eating a number of items while in a hospital setting. However Khalsa rejected this report claiming it was ploy to distract from his strike, and in response Khalsa also gave up drinking water in further protest. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/sikh-activist-surat-singh-khalsa-gives-up-water-after-his-feasting-video-goes-viral/story-s5ssu2CO6wAInwS3YNZcgJ.html][http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/fasting-sikh-activist-urat-singh-khalsa-seen-feasting-in-viral-video/]
On 5 December 2015, a viral video began circulating showing a man purported to be Khalsa eating in a hospital setting. Khalsa rejected this report, claiming it was ploy to distract from his strike, and gave up drinking water in further protest.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-12-06 |title=Surat Singh Khalsa gives up water after his 'feasting' video goes viral |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/sikh-activist-surat-singh-khalsa-gives-up-water-after-his-feasting-video-goes-viral/story-s5ssu2CO6wAInwS3YNZcgJ.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124064851/https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/sikh-activist-surat-singh-khalsa-gives-up-water-after-his-feasting-video-goes-viral/story-s5ssu2CO6wAInwS3YNZcgJ.html |archive-date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-01-29 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2015-12-06 |title=Fasting Sikh activist, Surat Singh Khalsa, seen 'feasting' in viral video |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/fasting-sikh-activist-urat-singh-khalsa-seen-feasting-in-viral-video/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> However, during an interview given to the [[Indian Express]], his son accepted that he did consume that food, although due to the drugs the doctors had given him.<ref name=":1" />


==Formal Detentions==
==Formal detentions==
On 26 February 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa and his son, Ravinder Jeet Singh, a US citizen, were arrested in Ludhiana, Punjab (India) under "preventive charges".<ref>{{cite news|title=On hunger strike, Khalsa taken into preventive custody|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/on-hunger-strike-khalsa-taken-into-preventive-custody/}}</ref> At time of his arrest, Surat Singh Khalsa was peacefully protesting for release of Sikh political prisoners who have completed their terms.  His son, Ravinder Jeet was merely accompanying his father at a hospital in Ludhiana (Punjab, India) when they were both arrested.  In addition, [[Surinder Singh (journalist)|Surinder Singh]] of [[Talking Punjab]] and others were also detained for brief periods.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/26/breaking-police-tries-to-force-feed-bapu-surat-singh-family-members-and-surinder-singh-arrested/|title=Police Arrests American Citizens Peacefully Protesting For Human Rights in India|date=26 February 2015|publisher=http://www.sikh24.com/}}</ref> After intervention of the President of India<ref>{{cite news|title=Sikh Delegation Meets India President Regarding Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s Struggle|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/04/24/sikh-delegation-meets-india-president-regarding-bapu-surat-singh-khalsas-struggle/}}</ref> and alleged pressure by various US Congressman,<ref>{{cite news|title=Illegal Detention and Abuse of U.S. Citizen in Punjab|url=http://www.ensaaf.org/news/press/pr2015-04-15.php}}</ref> Surat Singh Khalsa and Ravinder Jeet Singh were released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minoritiesofindia.org/after-two-months-indefinite-detention-in-india-u-s-citizen-released-without-charges//|title=After Two Months Indefinite Detention in India, U.S. Citizen Released Without Charges|date=27 April 2015|publisher=http://www.ofmi.org/}}</ref>
On 26 February 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa and his son, Ravinder Jeet Singh, a US citizen, were arrested in Ludhiana, Punjab (India) under "preventive charges".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-02-27 |title=On hunger strike, Khalsa taken into preventive custody |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/on-hunger-strike-khalsa-taken-into-preventive-custody/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> At time of his arrest, Surat Singh Khalsa was peacefully protesting for release of Sikh political prisoners who have completed their terms.  His son, Ravinder Jeet was merely accompanying his father at a hospital in Ludhiana (Punjab, India) when they were both arrested.  In addition, [[Surinder Singh (journalist)|Surinder Singh]] of [[Talking Punjab]] and others were also detained for brief periods.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/26/breaking-police-tries-to-force-feed-bapu-surat-singh-family-members-and-surinder-singh-arrested/|title=Police Arrests American Citizens Peacefully Protesting For Human Rights in India|date=26 February 2015|website=www.sikh24.com/}}</ref> After intervention of the President of India<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-04-24 |title=Sikh Delegation Meets India President Regarding Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa's Struggle |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/04/24/sikh-delegation-meets-india-president-regarding-bapu-surat-singh-khalsas-struggle/ |work=Sikh24}}</ref> and alleged pressure by various US Congressmen,<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-04-15 |title=Illegal Detention and Abuse of U.S. Citizen in Punjab |url=http://www.ensaaf.org/news/press/pr2015-04-15.php |work=Ensaaf}}</ref> Surat Singh Khalsa and Ravinder Jeet Singh were released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minoritiesofindia.org/after-two-months-indefinite-detention-in-india-u-s-citizen-released-without-charges//|title=After Two Months Indefinite Detention in India, U.S. Citizen Released Without Charges|date=27 April 2015|website=www.ofmi.org/}}</ref>


Before his formal detention, Surat Singh Khalsa was picked up from his residence in Hassanpur on 8 February 2015, where he had commenced his hunger strike.  His arrest was informal, without any charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Taken to Hospital Forcibly|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/09/bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-taken-to-hospital-forcibly/}}</ref> He was taken to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Until 26 February 2015, family members and supporters continued to visit him, however later the police turned the informal detention to a virtual arrest, turning the hospital into a police station.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bapu Surat Singh: Punjab’s Irom Sharmila|url=http://www.countercurrents.org/pucl280315.htm}}</ref>
Before his formal detention, Surat Singh Khalsa was picked up from his residence in Hassanpur on 8 February 2015, where he had commenced his hunger strike.  His arrest was informal, without any charges.<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-02-09 |title=Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Taken to Hospital Forcibly |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2015/02/09/bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-taken-to-hospital-forcibly/ |work=Sikh24}}</ref> He was taken to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Until 26 February 2015, family members and supporters continued to visit him, however later the police turned the informal detention to a virtual arrest, turning the hospital into a police station.<ref name=":2" />


After being released on 23 April 2015, he was once again picked up on 1 June and detained at the Ludhiana's [[DMC Hero Heart Hospital]] for 18 days.  On 18 June, he was transferred to Chandigarh's [[PGI Hospital]] and kept there until 22 June when he was released and allowed to return to his Hassanpur residence.
After being released on 23 April 2015, he was once again picked up on 1 June and detained at the Ludhiana's [[DMC Hero Heart Hospital]] for 18 days.  On 18 June, he was transferred to Chandigarh's [[PGI Hospital]] and kept there until 22 June when he was released and allowed to return to his Hassanpur residence.
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Again, on 20 July, he was taken into custody at Ludhiana's Civil Hospital on 20 July, and kept there for 3 days to be later transferred to the DMC Hero Heart Hospital once again on 22 July until 15 August, for 12 days.
Again, on 20 July, he was taken into custody at Ludhiana's Civil Hospital on 20 July, and kept there for 3 days to be later transferred to the DMC Hero Heart Hospital once again on 22 July until 15 August, for 12 days.


==Lifelong political activism==
==Political activism==
Surat Singh Khalsa has been involved with human rights activism since early 1970s. Ever since being initiated as a [[Khalsa]] in 1972 in Bombay, India, Surat Singh Khalsa has advocated human rights, and spoke out against injustices to [[Sikhs]] and other minorities living in India.  During the [[Dharam Yudh Morcha]] (a political movement launched by the Sikhs for equal rights] of 1980's, he served as an adviser.
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2025}}
Surat Singh Khalsa was involved with human rights activism since the early 1970s.<ref name="indianexpresswho">{{cite news |last1=Jagga |first1=Raakhi |title=Who is Surat Singh Khalsa and why Quami Insaaf Morcha wants him to be at its protest |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/who-is-surat-singh-khalsa-qaumi-insaaf-morcha-protest-8460765/ |access-date=3 April 2025 |publisher=[[The Indian Express]] |date=23 February 2023}}</ref> During the [[Dharam Yudh Morcha]] (a political movement launched by the Sikhs for equal rights) of 1980's, he served as an adviser.<ref>{{cite news |title=ਬੰਦੀ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਲਈ ਲੜਾਈ ਲੜਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਬਾਪੂ ਸੂਰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਦਿਹਾਂਤ, 91 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਉਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਏ ਆਖਰੀ ਸਾਹ |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/!state/bapu-surat-singh-khalsa-passes-away-breathed-his-last-at-the-age-of-91-punjab-news-pbs25011501162 |access-date=3 April 2025 |publisher=ETV Bharat |date=15 January 2025 |ref=etvbharat |language=Punjabi}}</ref>


He resigned his post as government teacher on 5 June 1984 in the aftermath of [[Operation Bluestar]] in June 1984. Continuing with his advocacy for human rights, he served as the secretary of the [[United Akali Dal]] under the leadership of [[Baba Joginder Singh Rode]] (father of [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale|Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale]]).  He remained active in the UAD until late 1987. During a protest rally at [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] in February 1986, an unprovoked police firing resulted in Surat Singh Khalsa being hit by a bullet on his legs. He continued to remain politically active and has been detained in various jails, including Chandigarh, Nabha, Patiala and Amritsar in Punjab, as well as Kurukshetra, Rohtak and Ambala in Haryana during 1980s.
He resigned his post as government teacher on 5 June 1984 in the aftermath of [[Operation Bluestar]] in June 1984. Continuing with his advocacy for human rights, he served as the secretary of the [[United Akali Dal|United Akali Dal (UAD)]], where he remained active until late 1987. During a protest rally at [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] in February 1986, his leg was allegedly hit by a bullet. He continued to remain politically active, which resulted in him being detained in various jails during the 1980s.<ref name="indianexpresswho"/>


He immigrated to the US and became a Green Card holder in 1988.  All children (five daughters and a son) are US nationals. He continued to remain active towards Sikh political issues and continued travelling to Punjab from the USA frequently.
In 1988, Khalsa moved to the [[United States]] to live with his children. At the time of his death, both Surat Singh Khalsa and his children were [[Citizenship of the United States|US citizens]]. After migrating to the US, Khalsa kept visiting [[Punjab]] on a regular basis.<ref name="indianexpresswho"/>


After [[Amb Sahib Morcha]] of November 2013 and [[Lakhnaur Sahib]] campaign in November 2014, Surat Singh Khalsa decided to stand up for those detained unconstitutionally. During the first campaign for the release of Sikh political prisoners, Surat Singh Khalsa had announced that if anything was to happen to Bhai [[Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa]], he would personally under indefinite fast-onto-death until Sikh political prisoners were released. When Bhai Gurbaksh Singh had commenced his 2nd hunger strike, Surat Singh Khalsa traveled to Punjab from USA to express his support. However, after the conclusion of the second hunger strike as well by Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, Surat Singh Khalsa announced to undergo hunger strike in place of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.
After [[Amb Sahib Morcha]] of November 2013 and [[Lakhnaur Sahib]] campaign in November 2014, Surat Singh Khalsa decided to stand up for those detained unconstitutionally. During the first campaign for the release of Sikh political prisoners, Surat Singh Khalsa had announced that if anything was to happen to Bhai [[Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa]], he would personally under indefinite fast-onto-death until Sikh political prisoners were released. When Bhai Gurbaksh Singh commenced his 2nd hunger strike, Surat Singh Khalsa traveled to Punjab from USA to express his support. However, after the conclusion of the second hunger strike as well by Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, Surat Singh Khalsa announced to undergo hunger strike in place of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.


==Anna Hazare's Anti-Corruption Agitation==
==Anna Hazare's anti-corruption agitation==
In the first [[Anna Hazare]] anti-corruption agitation in New Delhi, when Hazare was on hunger strike fast from 05/04/2011 to 09/04/2011, Surat Singh Khalsa also remained on fast in Ludhiana in support of the anti-corruption drive. [[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]], labelled Surat Singh Khalsa as the "Anna Hazare of Punjab".<ref>{{cite news|title=If it’s Anna in Delhi, it’s Bapu here!|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110821/ldh1.htm#18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bapu Surat Singh: Punjab’s Irom Sharmila|url=http://www.countercurrents.org/pucl280315.htm}}</ref>
In the first [[Anna Hazare]] anti-corruption agitation in New Delhi, when Hazare was on hunger strike fast from 5 to 9 April 2011, Surat Singh Khalsa also remained on fast in Ludhiana in support of the anti-corruption drive. [[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]], labelled Surat Singh Khalsa as the "Anna Hazare of Punjab".<ref>{{cite news |date=2011-08-21 |title=If it's Anna in Delhi, it's Bapu here! |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110821/ldh1.htm#18 |work=[[Tribune India]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web |title=Bapu Surat Singh: Punjab's Irom Sharmila |url=http://www.countercurrents.org/pucl280315.htm |website=Counter Currents}}</ref>


==Assassination of son-in-law==
==Death==
On 16 August 2015, at 11:45 PM, Satwinder Singh Bhola, son-in-law was killed under mysterious circumstances. Investigations are still going on, while local officials have ruled out possibility of robbery. Even though he was murdered shortly after locking up his shop and had $2000 in his pocket after death. Many organizations have claimed that he was murdered to stop the protest of Surat Singh Khalsa.
Khalsa died on 14 January 2025, at the age of 91.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sikh activist, advocate of Bandi Singhs Surat Singh Khalsa passes away at 91 |url=https://www.ptcnews.tv/punjab-2/sikh-activist-advocate-of-bandi-singhs-surat-singh-khalsa-passes-away-at-91-4404401 |access-date=15 January 2025 |publisher=PTC News |date=15 January 2025}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Khalsa, Surat Singh}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khalsa, Surat Singh}}
[[Category:1933 births]]
[[Category:1933 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:2025 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian civil rights activists]]
[[Category:Indian civil rights activists]]
[[Category:Indian Sikhs]]
[[Category:Punjabi Sikhs]]
[[Category:People from Ludhiana]]
[[Category:People from Ludhiana]]
[[Category:Activists from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Activists from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Hunger strikers]]
[[Category:Indian hunger strikers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian people]]

Latest revision as of 08:34, 12 February 2026


Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa
Khalsa in 2015
Born(1933-03-07)7 March 1933
Hassanpur, Ludhiana district, Punjab Province, British India
Died14 January 2025(2025-01-14) (aged 91)
OccupationCivil rights and political activist
Known forHunger strike against detention of political prisoners
Parent(s)Sardar Santokh Singh (father)
Bibi Prem Kaur(mother)

Surat Singh Khalsa (7 March 1933 – 14 January 2025), also known as Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, was a civil rights and political activist from the Indian state of Punjab. Surat Singh Khalsa was involved with various political struggles related to Sikhs in Punjab, however, he was in the mid-2010s in the limelight for a hunger strike[1] as a form of peaceful protest against illegal and prolonged detention of political prisoners.

Hunger strike[edit | edit source]

On 16 January 2015, Khalsa began a hunger strike.[2] He refused food and water to seek the release of Sikh political prisoners who have completed their court sentences. He also called for the unconditional release of prisoners of all religions who have completed their terms.[3]

On 11 February 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining the motive of his hunger strike.[3] In his letter, Surat Singh Khalsa summed up his demands in two points:

  1. Treat all Sikh prisoners – under trials and those sentenced in cases relating to the Sikh struggle – as political prisoners.
  2. Release all prisoners who have completed their full jail terms and are legitimately due for release, exactly in the same manner, as other prisoners are released in various other parts of the country.

A number of Sikh political prisoners are languishing in jails despite having completed their sentences. Many of these prisoners are released on parole on a yearly basis. These prisoners can be granted permanent parole or be released on bail as there are no pending charges against them. In addition, Surat Singh Khalsa was seeking the release of senior citizens based on humanitarian grounds. There are at least 8 such prisoners who have been sentenced under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act for their involvement in a bank robbery case that took place in Ludhiana.[4] This law has already lapsed. It has been deemed as controversial by human rights organizations, as well as the United Nations.[5]

On 5 December 2015, a viral video began circulating showing a man purported to be Khalsa eating in a hospital setting. Khalsa rejected this report, claiming it was ploy to distract from his strike, and gave up drinking water in further protest.[6][7] However, during an interview given to the Indian Express, his son accepted that he did consume that food, although due to the drugs the doctors had given him.[7]

Formal detentions[edit | edit source]

On 26 February 2015, Surat Singh Khalsa and his son, Ravinder Jeet Singh, a US citizen, were arrested in Ludhiana, Punjab (India) under "preventive charges".[8] At time of his arrest, Surat Singh Khalsa was peacefully protesting for release of Sikh political prisoners who have completed their terms. His son, Ravinder Jeet was merely accompanying his father at a hospital in Ludhiana (Punjab, India) when they were both arrested. In addition, Surinder Singh of Talking Punjab and others were also detained for brief periods.[9] After intervention of the President of India[10] and alleged pressure by various US Congressmen,[11] Surat Singh Khalsa and Ravinder Jeet Singh were released.[12]

Before his formal detention, Surat Singh Khalsa was picked up from his residence in Hassanpur on 8 February 2015, where he had commenced his hunger strike. His arrest was informal, without any charges.[13] He was taken to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Until 26 February 2015, family members and supporters continued to visit him, however later the police turned the informal detention to a virtual arrest, turning the hospital into a police station.[14]

After being released on 23 April 2015, he was once again picked up on 1 June and detained at the Ludhiana's DMC Hero Heart Hospital for 18 days. On 18 June, he was transferred to Chandigarh's PGI Hospital and kept there until 22 June when he was released and allowed to return to his Hassanpur residence.

Again, on 20 July, he was taken into custody at Ludhiana's Civil Hospital on 20 July, and kept there for 3 days to be later transferred to the DMC Hero Heart Hospital once again on 22 July until 15 August, for 12 days.

Political activism[edit | edit source]

Surat Singh Khalsa was involved with human rights activism since the early 1970s.[15] During the Dharam Yudh Morcha (a political movement launched by the Sikhs for equal rights) of 1980's, he served as an adviser.[16]

He resigned his post as government teacher on 5 June 1984 in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar in June 1984. Continuing with his advocacy for human rights, he served as the secretary of the United Akali Dal (UAD), where he remained active until late 1987. During a protest rally at Punjab Legislative Assembly in February 1986, his leg was allegedly hit by a bullet. He continued to remain politically active, which resulted in him being detained in various jails during the 1980s.[15]

In 1988, Khalsa moved to the United States to live with his children. At the time of his death, both Surat Singh Khalsa and his children were US citizens. After migrating to the US, Khalsa kept visiting Punjab on a regular basis.[15]

After Amb Sahib Morcha of November 2013 and Lakhnaur Sahib campaign in November 2014, Surat Singh Khalsa decided to stand up for those detained unconstitutionally. During the first campaign for the release of Sikh political prisoners, Surat Singh Khalsa had announced that if anything was to happen to Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, he would personally under indefinite fast-onto-death until Sikh political prisoners were released. When Bhai Gurbaksh Singh commenced his 2nd hunger strike, Surat Singh Khalsa traveled to Punjab from USA to express his support. However, after the conclusion of the second hunger strike as well by Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, Surat Singh Khalsa announced to undergo hunger strike in place of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh.

Anna Hazare's anti-corruption agitation[edit | edit source]

In the first Anna Hazare anti-corruption agitation in New Delhi, when Hazare was on hunger strike fast from 5 to 9 April 2011, Surat Singh Khalsa also remained on fast in Ludhiana in support of the anti-corruption drive. The Tribune, labelled Surat Singh Khalsa as the "Anna Hazare of Punjab".[17][14]

Death[edit | edit source]

Khalsa died on 14 January 2025, at the age of 91.[18]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Surat Singh Khalsa's message to Sikh Nation". Sikh24. 13 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "Hunger Strike of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Concludes 110th Day". Sikh24. 5 May 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Writes Open Letter to Indian Prime Minister Modi". Sikh24. 12 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "Convicted under TADA, aged Sikhs prisoners languishing in Indian jails". sikhsiyasat.net. 24 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "TADA: Report by Human Rights Watch & Ensaaf" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "Surat Singh Khalsa gives up water after his 'feasting' video goes viral". Hindustan Times. 6 December 2015. Archived from the original on 24 January 2025. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Fasting Sikh activist, Surat Singh Khalsa, seen 'feasting' in viral video". The Indian Express. 6 December 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "On hunger strike, Khalsa taken into preventive custody". The Indian Express. 27 February 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  9. ↑ "Police Arrests American Citizens Peacefully Protesting For Human Rights in India". www.sikh24.com/. 26 February 2015.
  10. ↑ "Sikh Delegation Meets India President Regarding Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa's Struggle". Sikh24. 24 April 2015.
  11. ↑ "Illegal Detention and Abuse of U.S. Citizen in Punjab". Ensaaf. 15 April 2015.
  12. ↑ "After Two Months Indefinite Detention in India, U.S. Citizen Released Without Charges". www.ofmi.org/. 27 April 2015.
  13. ↑ "Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa Taken to Hospital Forcibly". Sikh24. 9 February 2015.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Bapu Surat Singh: Punjab's Irom Sharmila". Counter Currents.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Jagga, Raakhi (23 February 2023). "Who is Surat Singh Khalsa and why Quami Insaaf Morcha wants him to be at its protest". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  16. ↑ "ਬੰਦੀ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਲਈ ਲੜਾਈ ਲੜਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਬਾਪੂ ਸੂਰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਦਿਹਾਂਤ, 91 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਉਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਏ ਆਖਰੀ ਸਾਹ" (in Punjabi). ETV Bharat. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  17. ↑ "If it's Anna in Delhi, it's Bapu here!". Tribune India. 21 August 2011.
  18. ↑ "Sikh activist, advocate of Bandi Singhs Surat Singh Khalsa passes away at 91". PTC News. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
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