Following a 'hokum' from the Akal Takht, the supreme body of Sikhs, Nirpreet Kaur, one of the riot-affected victims -- ended her fast on Wednesday afternoon. She had been on fast for the last six days in protest against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a riot case. Her health started deteriorating on the sixth day after her blood pressure and other vital parameters registered a significant drop.
Jathedar Gyani Gurbhan Singh, the Head Priest of the Akal Takht asked Nirpreet Kaur to end her fast as it was against the religion. He said that in the Sikh religion fasting to death is not allowed and if this is followed by anyone then they no longer can be a part of the Sikh community and are liable to be ex-communicated.
"I have to follow the 'diktat' of the Akal Takht because I want to be a part of this community. Not following their hokum (orders) will go against me and I will not be part of the community and I have to fight for justice till the end. It is not about any political party. Even if people from the Congress Government wish to be a part of the protest then I would welcome them too" said Nirpreet Kaur. "It is the order of the Akal Takht and we just can't go against it. We have been assured that the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots will get justice and we will wage a battle to get justice for the victims and their families. We will appeal to the Supreme Court as well. Schemes and plans would be made to fight for justice together. We will all fight united. Now I suddenly can't say what will be the next up," said Parkash Singh Badal, the Chief Minister of Punjab, who had reached Jantar Mantar on Wednesday afternoon to see Kaur. Nirpreet and other riot affected victims were staging a protest at Jantar Mantar for the last eight days. The protesters were in full rage against the Government and were religiously staging the protest each day. "My sentiments have been hurt. There is not just one victim here but many. Now there is no one in support of us as a political game has been played. The leaders from various parties came but never discussed the path to justice with us," said a protestor.
Jarnail Singh who has been a part of the protest from day one also expressed disappointment. He said, "No body discussed with us about the fast being called off. We have been sitting here everyday in support of the victims."
On Wednesday following a rumour that the police constables and inspectors have come to take Nirpreet Kaur away, the protesters started manhandling the constables and the inspectors there. They also shouted slogans against the Delhi Police.
Traffic was severely affected in the New Delhi district. Problems were faced by the commuters as well due to the protests. Due to the ongoing Parliament session, portions of Rafi Marg, Rajendra Prasad road, Talkatora, Rakabganj all leading to the Parliament House were closed causing traffic snarls. In the morning Tolstoy Marg and Jantar Mantar road were closed during the day but were later opened for general traffic.