Workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office complex in Fatehgarh Sahib on Tuesday, burning an effigy of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The demonstration was triggered by a viral video that the protesters claim has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Protest Details and Demands
The protesters, led by SAD district president Sharanjit Singh and Fatehgarh Sahib constituency in-charge Baljit Singh Bhutta, raised slogans against the Punjab Government and the Chief Minister. They alleged that the video in question deeply offended Sikhs across the world and demanded a public apology from Mann.
According to the SAD leaders, the matter has been taken seriously by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs. They emphasized that the video's content was unacceptable and called for immediate action to address the community's concerns.
Political Reactions and Context
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the opposition SAD. The viral video, which has not been officially released, is said to contain remarks or visuals that Sikh groups consider disrespectful. SAD workers burned the effigy outside the DC office, with some carrying placards demanding Mann's resignation.
Baljit Singh Bhutta stated, "The video has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community worldwide. The Chief Minister must apologize publicly to restore faith." Sharanjit Singh added that the Akal Takht has taken cognizance of the issue, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
Impact and Next Steps
No arrests have been reported in connection with the protest. The SAD has threatened to escalate the agitation if their demands are not met. The Punjab Police maintained a presence but did not intervene. The incident adds to the political friction in the state, with the opposition accusing the Mann government of insensitivity toward religious sentiments.
