Another Punjabi youth shot in Manila
Tuesday, 26/08/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140826/punjab.htm#25
Jagraon : Yet another Punjabi youth was allegedly shot dead in Manila, capital of the Philippines. The victim has been identified as Harminder Singh Sidhu of Kaunke Kalan village near Jagraon. Harminder was the only son of his parents and the sole breadwinner of the family.
The incident came to light last week when the family members received a call from Manila informing them that Harminder had been shot by some unidentified persons.
Karam Singh, a cousin of the victim, said Harminder had gone to the Philippines seven years ago. The family members of the youth alleged Harminder had been detained illegally for the last few years by Gurdev Singh, president of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Manila.
“Harminder’s passport and other documents were in possession of Gurdev Singh who had been exploiting him. Gurdev had demanded money from us to send Harminder back to India. In June, we gave Rs 2.5 lakh to Gurdev’s son Karamjit Singh, but despite this Harminder was not released. Gurdev later demanded Rs 3 lakh more and threatened to kill my son,” said Pritam Singh, victim’s father.
Senior Akali leader Balwant Singh Ramoowalia visited the victim’s family. He assured his parents of cooperation to bring the body to India as soon as possible.
He said: “I will visit Gurdev Singh’s native village Baude in Moga district tomorrow and take up the matter with the panchayat.” He said he would meet the Philippines High Commissioner in India to demand an impartial and speedy investigation into the incident.
