A significant disturbance unfolded at the revered Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on Friday, sparking tensions between religious authorities and law enforcement. According to sources, a team from the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) police detained two young men from the parikrama, the circumambulation area within the temple premises. This action triggered a strong reaction from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the governing body of Sikh shrines, which objected vehemently to the police operation.
SGPC's Firm Response to Police Action
Sources indicate that the SGPC task force, in a bold move, allegedly detained members of the CIA team until the matter could be clarified. The committee expressed frustration over the police conducting the detention without any prior intimation, a breach of established protocols. A senior SGPC official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that it is mandatory for police to inform the SGPC before searching for or arresting any individual within the Golden Temple premises. He alleged that the police failed to take the SGPC into confidence or even notify the local Galiara police post, describing the incident as a violation of trust.
Escalation and Detention of Police Personnel
In protest against what they deemed an unauthorized action, the SGPC task force reportedly detained two police personnel and confined them to a room. Sources further revealed that the task force decided not to release the detained officers until senior police officials provided a clear and satisfactory explanation of the entire operation. The SGPC official accompanying the task force confirmed that formal statements were recorded from the police personnel, underscoring the seriousness with which the committee viewed the incident.
Conflicting Accounts from Authorities
However, SGPC secretary Partap Singh offered a different perspective, denying that the police took anyone into custody from the parikrama. He maintained that the arrests were made from the Ghanta Ghar side, which is outside the Golden Temple complex. This conflicting account adds a layer of complexity to the incident, highlighting potential misunderstandings or miscommunications between the parties involved.
Implications for Police-SGPC Relations
The incident raises important questions about coordination and respect for religious protocols in sensitive locations like the Golden Temple. The SGPC's strong stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding the sanctity and autonomy of the shrine, while the police's actions may be viewed as an overreach without proper consultation. This episode could strain relations between law enforcement and religious authorities, necessitating clearer guidelines and better communication to prevent future conflicts.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. The Golden Temple, being a symbol of peace and spirituality, deserves actions that uphold its dignity and the trust of devotees.
