Amritsar, September 4:
The alleged police assault on Sikh youth S. Mohanjit Singh Sheron, who questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann over Punjab’s serious drug problem, along with the alleged desecration of his Kakkars (articles of Sikh faith), is extremely unfortunate, condemnable and a direct violation of religious values. This was stated by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami in a press statement issued today.
He said that instead of punishing a young man for asking questions and raising his voice against drugs, the government should answer his questions. He said the government’s approach towards the protesting youth reflects a “dictatorial and authoritarian” approach.
Advocate Dhami said it was particularly distressing that, besides allegedly assaulting Mohanjit Singh, reports had also emerged that his hair and Kakkars were disrespected. He said the Kakkars are symbols of a Sikh’s religious identity, discipline and faith in the Guru. Deliberately disrespecting or insulting the religious articles of any Sikh can never be tolerated.
He said the situation in Punjab has reached a point where drugs are allegedly being sold openly, yet instead of stopping the drug trade, the government is allegedly using force against those who raise their voices against drugs.
He said every citizen has the right to seek answers from the government. If a person questions government policy, its performance or any serious social issue, attempting to silence that person through police force is contrary to the spirit of democracy. Assaulting anyone who expresses dissent cannot, in any circumstances, be considered part of a democratic system.
Advocate Dhami said the incident was not merely a case of alleged excesses against one young man; it also raises the question of whether the younger generation in Punjab is even free to raise its voice against the drug menace.
He said the government must also remember that the police uniform is meant to protect people, not intimidate them. If police personnel have acted outside the law and hurt anyone’s religious sentiments, responsibility must be fixed and strict action should be taken against the police officials allegedly responsible for the assault.
Advocate Dhami said the SGPC stands with the affected youth and would provide all necessary assistance in seeking action against those responsible.
He said SGPC General Secretary S. Kulwant Singh Mannan, Executive Member S. Gurpreet Singh Jhabbhar, and Secretary S. Balwinder Singh Kahlaon had been sent to meet the affected youth and gather the necessary information to provide assistance.
Issued by: Jagtaar Singh Khodebet
Publicity Assistant, SGPC
Contact: 81461-01114