SGPC condemns Home Minister Amit Shah’s ‘anti-Sikh remarks’, seeks quota for community in Army

“Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, revered as a national martyr, sacrificed his life to safeguard the honour of Sikhism and to preserve the Sikh identity,” reads the resolution.

SGPC said that for a senior government minister to evoke such divisive rhetoric in the country’s largest democratic forum not only insults the legacy of a great leader but also undermines India’s pluralistic and multi-religious fabric.

The SGPC resolution stated that the minister’s remarks reflect a deeply entrenched anti-Sikh mindset, which is unacceptable in a democratic society that prides itself on diversity and respect for all communities.

In addition, the SGPC session strongly criticised Shah’s alleged derisive comment on the recitation of Gurbani (Guru Granth Sahib).

“Gurbani, the divine word composed by the revered Gurus, is an inseparable and sacrosanct aspect of Sikhism. Presenting Gurbani in a negative context amounts to disrespecting the very core of Sikh religious practice. The session reminded the minister and the government that it is because of the divine Gurbani that the cultural heritage of the nation remains vibrant, and that the Sikh community has, through countless sacrifices, contributed significantly to the country’s freedom,” reads resolution.

The SGPC demanded the Central Government to show genuine respect for Sikh sentiments and refrain from making statements that further divide the nation. The outfit said it also passed a resolution against the “hateful environment being fostered against Sikhs in regions beyond Punjab”. The resolution called upon the government to take decisive action against those responsible for creating an atmosphere of hate and intolerance.

The general house meeting also discussed the way the Central and State governments were handling the ongoing farmers’ struggle.

“Farmers, the backbone of India’s economy, have been fighting for their rightful demands—such as guaranteed minimum support prices and other entitlements—only to be met with government indifference and repression. Instead of addressing these legitimate issues, the authorities have resorted to arresting farmers who attend protest meetings under dubious circumstances and detaining those who demand justice. This is not only a violation of democratic values but also an indication of an anti-farmer policy that endangers the agricultural sector and undermines the country’s democratic foundations,” reads another resolution.

The SGPC session urged the government to withdraw false charges against farmer leaders.

Mohali court action against fake police encounters during militancy period hailed

The session welcomed recent judicial measures taken by the Mohali court against police officials involved in false encounters with Sikh youth—a practice that, according to the SGPC, has claimed the lives of many innocent individuals since 1984. The SGPC demanded stringent penalties for those responsible for the tragic incidents targeting the Sikh youths in Punjab.

A resolution also demanded that a visa office be opened in Amritsar for the convenience of Sikh devotees who travel to visit gurdwaras in Pakistan.

“There are several gurdwaras in Pakistan related to the Gurus and Sikh history, which are visited every year by groups of Sikh devotees. The congregation has a strong demand that visas be issued to devotees on ordinary days in addition to the groups that travel on scheduled occasions. Therefore, for the convenience of the congregation, a visa office should be opened in Amritsar,” it said.

Demands quota for Sikhs in Army

The SGPC’s session on Friday also demanded the Central Government to allocate a special quota for Sikhs in the Indian Armed Forces. “The Sikh community has time and again made great sacrifices for the nation’s defence and has contributed significantly to the military. History stands as testimony to the valor of Sikh soldiers who have fought bravely in World War I and II, as well as in conflicts such as the Kargil War and various other operations,” reads the resolution.

“The dedicated quota in the armed forces would not only ensure the continuous contribution of Sikh youth to the military but also strengthen their traditional role in the defense of the country. The SGPC believes that this measure would enhance the prestige and strength of the Indian Army, while also honoring the longstanding martial traditions of the Sikh community,” said the SGPC resolution.