The protesters have been seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh. They also want the release of Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, a 1993 Delhi bomb blast convict.
Sources told India Today that the SAD was also exerting pressure on the BJP regarding the issues of the farmers' movement and the release of Sikh prisoners.
The morcha is seeking the release of the Sikh prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh’s assassination, claiming that they are lodged in different jails despite completing their sentences
The apex elected body of Sikhs, however, asked the government to take a “sympathetic view” on the matter of Sikh prisoners as it did in the Qatar case.
Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has raised concerns about the release of Sikh prisoners in Punjab militancy cases, citing serious physical and mental health issues. Sahney argued that justice delayed is denied and calls for uniform national policy governing both the Centre and state governments.