It is unfortunate that Uttarakhand police publicly humiliated Sikh youth by removing their turbans - Advocate Dhami

AMRITSAR: Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, has expressed serious concern over the incident that took place with Sikh youth in Karanprayag, Uttarakhand, and the unilateral action taken by the police after this, and has asked the Uttarakhand government to conduct a high-level and impartial investigation into it.

Advocate Dhami said that the turban and kirpan of the Sikhs are their religious symbols, which the Sikhs have the constitutional right to wear.

He said that it is also the constitutional responsibility of every government official to respect the sentiments of every religion.

Advocate Dhami said that in the recent incident, some local people first attacked the Sikh youth, which led to a fight. Instead of taking impartial action by the police, a case was registered against the Sikh devotees. He said that the police publicly insulting the arrested youth by removing their turbans is very unfortunate and a step that hurts the Sikh sentiments.

The SGPC President said that it is the responsibility of the Uttarakhand government to ensure the safety and respect of the Sikh community going on the pilgrimage to Sri Hemkunt Sahib. Discrimination or bullying against Sikh devotees cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

The SGPC President appealed to the Sikh community to maintain peace, restraint and unity and said that they should not indulge in any kind of provocation.

He also asked the local Sikh leaders to approach the government and police administration to get justice for the Sikh youth. He also appealed to the Uttarakhand government and administration to respect Sikh sentiments and stop mischievous elements making provocative statements.