‘Cowardly attack’: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Akal Takht, Congress condemn firing at Sukhbir Singh Badal outside Golden Temple
SAD rebel faction appealed to people not to harm each other after a man opened fire at Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was on guard duty at Golden Temple as part of his religious sentence.
8 min read
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann (Express Photo)Political leaders across parties condemned the gunfire attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal when he was sitting on guard duty as part of his religious sentence outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday.
The shooter has been identified as Khalistani leader Narain Singh Chaura, who faces multiple cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and has been jailed numerous times for terrorism-related activities. Narain Singh was swiftly overpowered by bystanders and handed over to the police. The motive behind the attack remained unclear.
Reacting to the shooting, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann posted on X,” Today, Punjab police prevented a big incident in the state. It was alertness of Punjab police that a conspiracy to defame Punjab and Punjabis has fallen flat. Police arrested the attacker from on the spot. I appreciate their presence of mind and I strongly condemn attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal.. I have directed the Punjab police officials to inquire the entire incident and submit the report to me soon.”
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh also condemned the shooting and asked the government to initiate a probe. Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of the Sikh community, had ordered Badal to undergo the religious sentence at the Golden Temple for mistakes committed during the SAD rule between 2007 and 2017 in Punjab.
“This is not just an attack on Sukhbir Badal; it is an attack on the sevadar (volunteer) who was standing outside the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) performing duties assigned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. We condemn this attack and call on the government to investigate who is behind this incident,” said Giani Raghbir Singh.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, “It is the attack on the Darbar Sahib’s aura. It is place where we come for forgiveness of our sins and not to commit new sins. I condemn this incident and demand a probe into it. Sukhbir Singh Badal has to perform seva at other places also. So his security must be assured.”
Acting SAD (B) president Balwinder Singh Bhundar said the party leaders would continue to perform seva as per the orders of Akal Takht Sahib. “God is with us. The seva will continue,” he said.
When contacted, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, convener of Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar, said, “This is a very unfortunate and sad incident. While people may hold different ideologies and opinions about the actions taken during the previous SAD-BJP government from 2007 to 2017, it does not justify harming one another. Thankfully, Sukhbir Badal escaped unharmed. No member of the community should resort to such acts of violence. It is important to respect Akal Takht’s directives. We strongly condemn these violent actions. Punjab has faced dark times in the past, and we do not want to see that era return. Ultimately, the investigation by intelligence agencies will uncover the truth.”
Santa Singh Umaidpuri, one of the seven interim committee members of Akali Dal former by Akal Takht Sahib, said, “One must comply with the Takhah (religious punishment) as directed by Akal Takht Sahib. On the other side of the gate, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa ji, the patron of Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar, was also present. However, it is unclear what motivated the attacker to shoot in the direction where Sukhbir Badal was sitting. A police investigation could uncover the background of this incident and the mindset of the individual who committed this act in full view of the public. Until then, we cannot draw any conclusions. We must wait for the police inquiry to provide the facts.”
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa of the Congress, in a statement, said, “The attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal outside Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, is deeply unfortunate and unequivocally condemnable. Such acts of violence have no place in our society. Such incidents undermine the very fabric of our democratic values and societal harmony. The incident is a stark reminder of the need for responsible discourse and vigilance in Punjab. It is imperative that we, as a society, reflect on the underlying causes and ensure that our responses are measured and constructive.”
“For too long, I have emphasised the importance of addressing the developments in Punjab with a profound sense of responsibility and foresight. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders—political leaders, social organisations, and the public—to come together and foster an environment of dialogue and peace. We must collectively work towards ensuring that Punjab remains a land of mutual respect, understanding, and tranquillity, in keeping with its rich heritage,” he added.
He said he was urging the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation while calling for restraint and unity among all sections of society during this sensitive time.
Where is accountability, asks BJP
Questioning the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, BJP state spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal said, “We strongly condemn the cowardly attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal within the sacred Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex. Gunfire and violence have become disturbingly common under this lawless regime. Is Punjab being turned into a banana republic? Where is the government? Where is the accountability?”
Anil Sarin, BJP state general secretary, said, “The BJP strongly condemns the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal and demands a thorough investigation into the matter. “We can have ideological and political differences with each other, but such violent acts are strongly condemned. This once again highlights the poor law and order condition of the state. Firing a bullet has become so common in the state. People have no fear of the police now. It is high time that the Punjab government made adequate security arrangements, at least now,” added Sarin.
Senior BJP leader and former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh also condemned the attack and expressed relief that Badal was safe. He praised the person who overpowered the assailant and deflected his arm, which helped prevent the bullet from hitting Badal.
Amarinder Singh noted that Badal had sought forgiveness from the Akal Takht and was serving the punishment that had been imposed on him inside the Golden Temple complex. He highlighted that those responsible for the attack on the Akali leader had violated Sikh values.
Amarinder Singh stated that Punjab had already endured enough suffering in the 1980s and 1990s and could afford to enter another dark era. He urged the people to be vigilant against those forces attempting to disrupt peace in Punjab.
Manpreet Singh Badal, BJP leader and paternal cousin of Sukhbir Badal said, “Dastardly. Violence has no place in politics. The protection of citizens is the government’s foremost duty. Political differences should be resolved through dialogue and the ballot, not the bullet. Prayers for the safety of Sukhbir Singh Badal and all others affected. Punjab has already paid a heavy price in 1947, 1966, and 1984. We cannot, and will not, allow the hard-earned peace to be disrupted.”
Besides Opposition leader Bajwa, several senior Punjab Congress leaders also decried the attack on Badal. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the incident could not be condoned and should not have happened.
“I believe that the firing is a result of negligence on the part of the Punjab government. This incident reflects the state of law and order in Punjab. The person responsible for the incident should face the strictest punishment. I condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. The assistant commissioner of police (ACP) in Amritsar should be suspended, and immediate action must be taken against him. How did this situation occur? Who should be held accountable? It seems the government is waiting for a tragedy to happen before acknowledging a lapse. While there may be some anger towards Sukhbir Badal among certain Sikhs, that does not justify shooting him,” said Warring while addressing the media.
The Congress MP from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, also denounced the attack. “…Everyone has been hurt by such an incident within the sacred precincts of Darbar Sahib,” said Randhawa in a post on X.
Three personnel took charge of situation: Amritsar police commissioner
Meanwhile, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar explained how Badal was saved without harm. “Since Sukhbir Badal came to perform service, around 200 police personnel and senior officers had been deployed. Constable Rachhpal Singh noticed the accused approaching and followed him. As soon as the accused attempted to fire, three personnel collectively took charge of the situation. A thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure no angle is overlooked.”
He said, “We will recommend to the DGP that the three personnel who performed commendably be honoured. We also appeal to the public to share any information they may have with the police.”
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