Amritsar, April 3, 2025: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, reacting to the Waqf Amendment Bill presented in the Lok Sabha, stated that this is a direct interference by the central government in matters related to minorities. He said that this amendment bill was introduced without consulting the concerned parties, leading to significant controversy. He further stated that it appears the government’s intention is to eliminate minority rights and take control of their management according to its own agenda.
Advocate Dhami emphasized that the Shiromani Committee has always supported the protection of minority rights and opposes any decision taken against the interests of minority communities.
He pointed out that the central government had previously introduced the Uniform Civil Code under its policy of suppressing minorities, which directly interfered with the personal laws and religious beliefs of different communities. Similarly, decisions like the Agniveer scheme, replacing direct recruitment in the armed forces, attempted to take away the reserved rights of minorities. The government’s move to mandate helmets for Sikh soldiers in the army was also part of this policy, which faced strong opposition.
The SGPC President stated that the government should not interfere in matters related to minorities without consulting them. He asserted that minority communities have the full right to protect their heritage and religious institutions, and laws like the Waqf Amendment Bill are an attempt to weaken these rights. Such laws would negatively impact the rights and interests of minority communities.
Advocate Dhami concluded that the government’s approach toward minority affairs is not appropriate. He urged the government to withdraw the bill and avoid making any decisions related to minorities without consulting their representatives.
Summary: Advocate Dhami criticizes the central government’s Waqf Amendment Bill, claiming it intrudes into minority affairs and demands a reconsideration of its provisions.