Fast-unto-death: 83-year-old on hunger strike since January, but we all seem to have missed his mission

Surat Singh Khalsa, an 83-year-old activist from Punjab, has been fasting unto death since 16 January, 2015, demanding the release of Sikh political prisoners who have already completed their jail term.

Lately, his story has been shared on social media, pointing fingers at mainstream media for ignoring Khalsa's struggle and thereby, restraining the reach of his cause.

What is the issue?

• As per an Indian Express report, Khalsa wants an immediate release of 43 Sikh political prisoners as they have completed their jail term.

• However, Punjab DGP Sumedh Singh Saini informed the media that out of the 82 names which Khalsa had submitted earlier, some of the people were arrested recently, and were undergoing trials.

• Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, lawyer of Surat Singh Khalsa, told media that 70 to 75 prisoners have already served over 15 to 20 years of their jail terms (They were given life terms).

• Khalsa was taken to a civil hospital on 8 February, on the third week of his fast-unto-death and has been kept there forcefully. According to the report, he contracted an infection after food pipes were stitched onto his forehead.

• Ravinderjit Singh, a citizen of US and Khalsa's son, was kept under custody for two months by the Punjab police when he came to India to look after his father. He was released on 27 April.