A delegation of AAP MLAs from Punjab on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Akal Takht secretariat, seeking action against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the entry of Delhi Police into Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi during a protest. The MLAs called it a grave violation of the sanctity of Sikh religious institutions and urged Akal Takht Jathedar to summon Shah and ensure accountability.
The delegation said the incident had hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and referred to Operation Bluestar, saying the Sikh Sangat has not forgotten that "dark chapter" and will never forget the police breach on Saturday while chasing protesters.
The lawmakers also questioned the silence of Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami on the issue.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, AAP MLA Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar, along with MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, said gurdwaras have traditionally been places of refuge where people seek shelter, peace and langar.
"The students being chased by the police had entered the gurdwara premises, but that did not justify police personnel entering the sacred premises with their heads uncovered and shoes on. The Centre must respect Sikh religious sentiments, and the Jathedar must take appropriate action on the memorandum submitted by our delegation," he said.
Giaspura MLA Manvinder Singh described October 10 as a "black day" for the Sikh community. "The sanctity of Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib has been violated. The Sikh community has not forgotten the attacks on its religious institutions in 1984, and it will not forget this incident either," he said.
He also questioned the "silence" of the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership and SGPC president Dhami, and said, "The Jathedar must summon Union Home Minister Amit Shah and take strict action. The Sikh community is looking to Sri Akal Takht Sahib for a firm response."
MLA Jeevan Jyot Kaur said the incident had reopened painful wounds.
"This incident has reopened painful wounds in the Sikh community. The BJP has once again exposed its anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab stance. Our delegation has submitted a memorandum seeking strict action from the Jathedar. The sanctity of Sikh religious institutions must be upheld, and those responsible must be held accountable," she said.
MLA Professor Baljinder Kaur claimed videos of the purported incident clearly showed Delhi Police personnel entering the gurdwara premises with their heads uncovered and shoes on.
The delegation included MLAs Jasvir Singh Gill, Karamvir Singh Ghuman, Sarwan Singh Dhunn, Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Dalvir Singh Tong, Manjinder Singh Lalpura and Kulwant Singh Pandori. AAP constituency in-charge Sonia Mann, Jobanpreet Singh, Sarbjot Sabi and Guriqbal Singh Mahal, along with AAP leader Angad Sohal, also joined the delegation, which sought action from the Akal Takht over the alleged incident at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
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