Amritsar: Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has strongly condemned the Haryana Police’s alleged lathicharge and use of tear gas against Sikh devotees holding a peaceful protest in Ambala on Thursday night.
Giani Gargaj said it was unfortunate that the Haryana government was holding talks with Sikh representatives on one hand, while police allegedly used force against the protesters on the other.
He said several Sikh devotees, members and employees of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, including its president Jagdish Singh Jhinda, as well as police personnel, were injured in the incident. The Jathedar spoke to Jhinda over the phone to enquire about his health and the condition of other injured protesters.
Calls for probe into police action
Giani Gargaj said the matter could have been resolved peacefully through dialogue and questioned why force was used while discussions were underway. He called for an investigation into the circumstances that led to the police action.
He also raised concerns over the possibility of unidentified disruptive elements entering the protest and allegedly attempting to discredit the peaceful demonstration or provoke the police. He said this aspect should also be investigated.
The Jathedar further criticised the Haryana government over the earlier incident at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib, alleging that timely legal action against those accused of driving a vehicle into Sikh devotees could have prevented the current situation.
Appeal to release arrested youths
Giani Gargaj urged the Haryana government to respect the sentiments of the Sikh community and immediately release the youths who had been arrested. He also called for the immediate arrest of those allegedly responsible for injuring devotees at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib.
He appealed to the Haryana government to resolve the matter through dialogue with Sikh leaders rather than allowing the situation to escalate.
The Jathedar also urged Sikh devotees in Haryana to remain united and ensure that any future protest remains peaceful, disciplined and orderly, while ensuring that disruptive elements do not become part of the demonstrations.
