SGPC takes notice of beating of Sikh businessman in Rishikesh
AMRITSAR: Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar Akal Takht highest seat of sikh religion has strongly condemned the attack on a Sikh businessman in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, by a communal group.
He has described the incident—where the victim was physically assaulted and his turban and Kes (unshorn hair) were disrespected—as an attack on the fundamental rights and freedoms of different religious communities in the country.
In a written statement issued from the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh emphasized that it is the fundamental duty of every democratic government to uphold the human rights and freedoms of people from all religious backgrounds.
He expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that it is shameful for the democratic fabric of the nation that an angry mob targeted a Sikh businessman’s turban and Kes over a minor dispute.
Giani Raghbir Singh acknowledged that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has already written to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the Uttarakhand Police, demanding strict action against the perpetrators.
However, he urged the Punjab Government to also take up the matter with the Uttarakhand Government to ensure strong legal action against those responsible.
He stressed that such measures are necessary to protect the safety and freedoms of minority communities in the country.
Meanwhile in another press release, SGPC takes notice of beating of Sikh businessman in Rishikesh, writes letter to Chief Minister
Taking strong note of the mob lynching of a Sikh businessman and the damage done to his showroom in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the accused persons.
SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan has also written an e-mail to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Dhami and Uttarakhand Police regarding this incident to take strict action against the culprits.
He said that it is clear from the viral video of this incident that happened yesterday that the mob not only beat up the Sikh traders but also pelted stones on their showrooms causing a lot of damage.
He said that since the mob removed the turban of the Sikh trader and desecrated his clothes, the police should also include sections of hurting religious sentiments in the case registered against the culprits.
S. Mannan said that the SGPC has spoken to the victim Sikh and the Sikh organization stands with him.
He said that according to the information given by the Sikh trader, the local Congress councilor is behind this incident and has been harassing these Sikh traders for the past. In his letter, the SGPC Chief Secretary has demanded from the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand to order the state police to conduct a fair investigation into this incident and identify the guilty persons and arrest them immediately.
He also asked the governments to ensure the safety of minority Sikhs across the country.
He said that a, delegation from SGPC will meet the affected Sikhs and Uttrakhabd government.