AMRITSAR: The violent incident between the Nihang Singhs and the police at Sultanpur Lodhi on November 23, 2023 and the police entering the Gurdwara Sahib wearing shoes is a very reprehensible incident. The administration is directly responsible for the violation of etiquette and the entry of the police into the Guru Ghar wearing shoes.
These words were expressed by Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He said that when the preparations for the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji were going on at Sultanpur Lodhi and due to the conflict and acrimonious situation at Gurdwara Sri Akal Bunga Sahib (Nihang Singhs Cantonment) which is right in front of Gurdwara Sri Ber Sahib, the Sikh Sangats Feelings have been deeply hurt.
He said that when the police entered the cantonment of the Nihang Singhs, Sri Akhand Path Sahib was going on at that time. The way the police entered the Gurdwara Sahib could have interrupted Sri Akhand Path Sahib, but the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee employees arrived on time and continued Sri Akhand Path Sahib.
Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said that the death of a policeman in the clash when the police entered the cantonment of Nihang Singhs is also sad. However, the unprofessional interference of the police in the mutual issue of the organizations of the Nihang Singhs and the violation of the dignity of the Guru Ghar raises questions not only about the police administration but also about the intentions of the Punjab government. He said that the Punjab Government and the Police Administration should always refrain from adopting such an attitude, which hurts the sentiments of the community.
He said that there is a need for Sikh organizations to solve mutual issues together, so that no external force can succeed in interfering in the affairs of Sikhs and dividing the Sikhs.