The arrest of Manpreet Singh in India on March 24 was a ‘mistake,’ ‘politically motivated’ and ‘instigated by some people,’ his friend Daljit Singh told Indian Newslink at press time.
Manpreet Singh, a New Zealand citizen and a former President of the New Zealand Sikh Society of Auckland (which owns and manages the Gurdwaras in Otahuhu and Takanini) is now a resident in Sydney, Australia. He was arrested on arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 23. His family, comprising his wife and two children were however allowed into the country.
According to media reports, Manpreet and 46 others, who belonged to the All India Sikh Students Federation, were arrested by the Sangrur Police in Punjab in 1987, following an agitation. Two of them reportedly died in police custody and the others were charged and later released on bail.
“Manpreet fled the country and arrived in New Zealand in 1989 because he feared for his safety. The Indian Government removed his name from its ‘Black List’ and he went to India and returned without any problems,” Daljit Singh said.
He also mentioned that several organisations including the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand, six Sikh Gurdwaras, the Sports Federation (Inc) New Zealand Kabaddi, Indian Overseas Congress, Akali Dal Badal New Zealand had also expressed support to Manpreet.
Indian Newslink will publish a detailed report in its next issue.
