Amritsar, October 5:
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly condemned the alleged desecration of Guru Ka Langar, tearing of posters of Giani Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale and other Sikh martyrs, and the arrest of Sikh leader Bhai Tejinderpal Singh Timma by Rajasthan Police at Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji in Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
Advocate Dhami said that such conduct in Guru Ka Langar within the premises of a Gurdwara Sahib and tearing posters associated with Sikh martyrs was an act that hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs. He said that legal and constitutional avenues are available for resolving any issue, but such police action at a religious place cannot be justified under any circumstances.
He said that Sikh leader Bhai Tejinderpal Singh Timma of Rajasthan had been raising his voice on Sikh issues for a long time and alleged that his arrest in a false case was an attempt to suppress the voice of the Sikh community. He said the action of Rajasthan Police reflected an oppressive and discriminatory attitude towards Sikhs.
Advocate Dhami demanded that the Rajasthan Government and police administration conduct an impartial investigation into the entire incident that took place at Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji in Ganganagar. He also demanded strict action against those responsible for violating the sanctity of the Gurdwara Sahib and hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs. He further demanded an impartial investigation into the case registered against Bhai Tejinderpal Singh Timma and his immediate release.
He said that every religious community in the country has a constitutional right to live according to its religious beliefs, traditions and the sanctity of its institutions. Discrimination or oppression against any religious community is not in accordance with the Constitution and democratic values of the country.
Advocate Dhami said that the incident in Rajasthan had caused widespread resentment among the Sikh community and urged the government to understand the seriousness of the situation and immediately release Bhai Tejinderpal Singh Timma.