Amritsar: Citing recent altercations involving Sikh pilgrims at religious destinations, including Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand and Manikaran Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, several Sikh organisations have written to authorities in the two states, seeking measures to ensure the safety and security of devotees undertaking the pilgrimages.
Neena Singh, a member of Sikh Legal Aid, said the organisation had written to the Uttarakhand governor and chief minister, referring to special arrangements made by the Delhi government for Kanwar Yatra pilgrims and seeking similar safeguards for Sikh devotees.
She also referred to videos circulating on social media that, according to the organisation, showed local residents allegedly provoking Sikh pilgrims before clashes broke out. She said the incidents had raised concerns among Sikh devotees and called for steps to prevent any recurrence and maintain communal harmony.
Shamsher Singh Padhri, spokesperson for Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), said the party had written to the Himachal Pradesh governor and chief minister, expressing concern over the safety of Sikh pilgrims visiting religious destinations in the state.
He claimed that reports and videos circulating online indicated instances of hostility and verbal abuse directed at Sikh visitors by certain individuals. He also alleged that Sikh religious symbols had been disrespected in some incidents.
