SGPC Condemns Punjab Police Action at Golden Temple as Arbitrary Interference
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly criticized the Punjab Police for allegedly detaining two individuals from the parikrama (circumambulation) area of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In a press statement issued on Saturday, SGPC Secretary Partap Singh described the police action as "arbitrary" and an "interference" in the management of the sacred shrine.
Violation of Religious Protocol and Sentiments
Partap Singh emphasized that the Golden Temple serves as the central place of faith for the global Sikh community, attracting a large number of devotees from India and abroad daily. He stated that taking anyone into custody without informing the shrine's management was not only inappropriate but also hurts the religious sentiments of the devotees. The SGPC secretary highlighted that no prior information was shared with the committee or the temple management regarding the police action, which he argued should not be allowed to occur freely within the complex.
Contradictory Statements and Ongoing Inquiry
Interestingly, Partap Singh had denied any such incident within the Golden Temple complex on Friday, making his subsequent condemnation on Saturday a notable shift. He added that an administrative inquiry into the incident is currently underway, and its report will be submitted to the executive committee of the SGPC for further review and action.
Details of the Detained Individuals
According to sources, the persons taken into custody have been identified as Satvinder Singh, a resident of village Mohan Ke Hithar in Ferozepur district, and his son, Prince. Satvinder Singh's wife, Lakhbir Kaur, reported that the family had arrived at the Golden Temple along with her mother-in-law, Rukmini Devi, to pay obeisance when her husband and son were allegedly picked up by the police without explanation.
Widespread Condemnation from Religious Authorities
The incident has also drawn condemnation from Giani Raghbir Singh, the head granthi of the Golden Temple, who echoed concerns about the police's actions disrupting the sanctity of the shrine. This development underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and religious management at one of Sikhism's holiest sites, raising questions about protocol and respect for faith-based institutions in Punjab.
