Amritsar, March 23: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has raised strong objection to the statement of Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) Shri Jai Ram Thakur regarding the issue of Sikh flags and photo of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale.
Advocate Dhami said that the CM of the state is responsible for the protection of every community and his communal statement could harm the peace and harmony of the country. He added that India is a multi-religious and multilingual country, where every citizen has religious freedom.
“Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale is Qaumi Shaheed (community’s martyr) of Sikhs, who has been conferred the title of martyr by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of Sikh community”, said SGPC President Advocate Dhami.
He added that Himachal Pradesh houses many Sikh shrines and a large number of pilgrims from Punjab go there every year and some anti-social elements with support of HP Police officials are obstructing their passage and forcibly removing the Nishan Sahibs (Sikh flags) and photos of Sikh martyrs by taking the law in their own hands.
“Sadly, instead of restraining the police administration on this issue, the state Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has made a statement against the Sikh sentiments. It is not appropriate for him to question the photo of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. He added that the constitution of the country gives religious freedom and freedom of expression to everyone but the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is expressing hatred towards the Sikh leader”, said Advocate Dhami.
SGPC President said that the Sikhs have always contributed to the progress of the country and served every community without discrimination in times of crisis or calamity befalling the country. He added that the HP CM should not forget that if the whole country is enjoying the warmth of freedom today, it is because of the great contribution of the Sikhs.