Supporter of Khalistan movement, Amritpal Singh, and Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid took their oaths as Members of Parliament on Friday under significant security detail. Both were granted parole by the court to take their oaths as Lok Sabha members. Notably, 'Engineer' Rashid, known for his activism, is detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged terrorism financing, whereas Amritpal Singh is incarcerated under the National Security Act in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam.
According to PTI sources, both were brought to the Parliament amidst stringent security measures. After completing the formalities, the elected MPs took their oaths in the Speaker's chamber. Both Singh, aged 31, and Rashid, aged 56, recently won the Lok Sabha elections independently from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib and Jammu & Kashmir's Baramulla respectively, while being detained. They were unable to take their oaths with other victorious candidates on the 24th and 25th of June for the 18th Lok Sabha.
Rashid was given custody parole for two hours, excluding the travel time from Tihar Jail to the Parliament, for his oath-taking ceremony. Amritpal Singh was granted a four-day custody parole starting from July 5th, considering his travel from Assam to Delhi and back. Their parole orders stipulate that they cannot speak to media or address any issues during their temporary release, nor give any statements. Family members were also restrained from making any public declarations. 'Waris Punjab De' head Amritpal was allowed to meet his family in Delhi, while only Rashid's family was permitted to attend his swearing-in ceremony.
