SGPC condemns ‘attack on Sikh businessman, his showroom in Rishikesh’, urges Uttarakhand govt to act
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has condemned the alleged attack on a Sikh businessman in Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh by a mob which reportedly vandalised his showroom on Sunday. It also sought an investigation by the Uttarakhand government into the matter. A video of the alleged incident has since been circulated on social media. The SGPC […]
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Mannan said the mob “forcibly removed the victim Sikh’s turban, an act of sacrilege, and desecrated his Kes (unshorn hair)”, as per a statement issued by the SGPC. (@SGPCAmritsar/X)The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has condemned the alleged attack on a Sikh businessman in Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh by a mob which reportedly vandalised his showroom on Sunday. It also sought an investigation by the Uttarakhand government into the matter.
A video of the alleged incident has since been circulated on social media. The SGPC said it reached out to the victim and assured him full support.
SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan said the viral video showed a mob physically assaulting Sikh traders and pelting stones at their showrooms, causing significant damage. He has written to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the state police seeking swift and stringent action against the perpetrators.
Mannan said the mob “forcibly removed the victim Sikh’s turban, an act of sacrilege, and desecrated his Kes (unshorn hair)”, as per a statement issued by the SGPC. He urged the authorities to book the culprits under sections pertaining to hurting religious sentiments.
According to the businessman, a local Congress councillor, who is allegedly behind the attack, has been harassing Sikh traders in the area for some time, the SGPC statement said.
Mannan, in his letter to the Uttarakhand chief minister, urged the state government to ensure a fair investigation, identify all culprits, and take immediate legal action over the incident. The SGPC also called upon governments at all levels to safeguard the rights and security of Sikhs across India.
‘Deeply shameful’: Akal Takht Jathedar wants Punjab govt to act
The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, too condemned the incident in Rishikesh, terming it an attack on the rights and freedom of various religions in the country.
In a statement issued by the Akal Takht secretariat, Giani Raghbir Singh said it is the fundamental duty of every democratic government to uphold the human rights and freedoms of people belonging to different religions and communities. He said that the attack on a Sikh trader, particularly targeting his turban and hair over a minor dispute in Rishikesh, is “deeply shameful” for democracy.
He further stated that while the SGPC has already written to Dhami and the Uttarakhand Police, the Punjab Government also has a responsibility to approach the Uttarakhand administration and ensure strict legal action against the offenders. “This is essential to safeguard the security and freedom of minority communities in the country,” he said.
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