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.