New Delhi: The President of the Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Paramjit Singh Sarna, has written a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressing deep concern over the alleged police high-handedness and harassment of Sikh devotees during the ongoing Hemkunt Sahib Yatra. In his letter, Sarna demanded a high-level and impartial inquiry into the conduct of police personnel involved in the incidents reported from the Karnaprayag area.
Decades of Devotion and Discipline
Sarna highlighted that for decades, lakhs of Sikh pilgrims have undertaken this sacred yatra with devotion and discipline. He noted that the relationship between the local population and Sikh pilgrims has traditionally been one of mutual respect and harmony. It is, therefore, distressing to witness reports and video footage suggesting that Sikh devotees have been subjected to police excesses, humiliation and discriminatory treatment following recent incidents in the Karnaprayag area.
Serious Allegations of Misconduct
Particularly troubling, Sarna said, are allegations that Sikh youths were booked under serious charges without a fair and impartial assessment of the circumstances. He also pointed to reports of custodial misconduct and public humiliation that have caused hurt to Sikh religious sentiments. The handling of Sikh articles of faith, including the sacred Kirpan, has caused anguish among Sikhs across India and around the world. Such allegations, Sarna stressed, merit immediate and independent examination.
Sanctity of the Sikh Kirpan
Emphasizing the religious significance of the Kirpan, Sarna stated that it is not a mere accessory but a sacred article of faith protected under the Constitution of India. Any action that disregards this reality not only hurts individual devotees but also creates avoidable tensions within society. He urged the Chief Minister to ensure that no Sikh devotee is subjected to harassment, humiliation or discriminatory treatment on account of his or her religious identity.
Demands for Grievance Mechanism and Engagement
Sarna also requested the Uttarakhand government to establish a dedicated grievance mechanism for pilgrims undertaking the Hemkunt Sahib Yatra. He further suggested that the state government engage with Sikh representative bodies and the management of Sri Hemkunt Sahib to ensure the safety, dignity and smooth movement of devotees. The letter underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to restore the confidence of the Sikh community.
