The Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De on Monday alleged incidents of harassment and religious disrespect involving Sikh inmates lodged in Punjab prisons and demanded an immediate response from the state government and the DGP (Prisons).In a statement, Tarsem Singh, father of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, claimed that reports emerging from different jails in the state were serious and disturbing, and raised concerns over the treatment of Sikh prisoners.Referring to an alleged phone call from Bathinda jail, he said detainee Bhagwant Singh, alias Pradhanmantri Bajeke, had alleged harassment by jail authorities and denial of the right to perform religious prayers. He added that the inmate’s beard had been pulled, calling it an attack on Sikh identity and faith.Tarsem Singh also cited alleged incidents involving Sandeep Singh Jattvibeny, lodged in the Muktsar jail. He claimed officials entered the inmate’s cell wearing shoes during searches despite the presence of a religious scripture, describing it as an act of disrespect toward Sikh religious sentiments.The Waris Punjab De leader further alleged that persons linked to the ruling establishment were being given preferential treatment inside prisons, while Sikh inmates faced discriminatory conduct.Condemning the alleged behaviour of prison officials, Tarsem Singh asked whether prisoners’ fundamental rights and religious freedoms were being protected in jails. He demanded that the Punjab Government and DGP (Prisons) take immediate cognisance of the matter and initiate strict action if the allegations are substantiated.He warned that if the issues were not addressed promptly, the organisation would convene a meeting soon to decide its future course of action.