Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has strongly criticised the alleged entry of Delhi Police personnel into Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib in New Delhi during protests on Saturday, calling the incident a matter of serious concern for the Sikh community. Mann alleged that police personnel entered the revered Sikh shrine without observing basic religious protocols and said the community would not forgive the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as an unacceptable act.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister highlighted the traditional role of gurdwaras as places of refuge, where people in distress have historically received shelter and support. He said the principles of the Guru Ghar required sewadars to provide protection to those seeking refuge, including young protesters if they had entered the premises while attempting to escape the situation outside.
Mann Questions Police Conduct Inside the Sikh Shrine
Mann alleged that Delhi Police personnel entered Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib with their heads uncovered and wearing shoes, actions he said violated the religious customs and sanctity of the holy place. He strongly objected to the alleged conduct and described the incident as shameful.
The Chief Minister emphasised that gurdwaras hold deep spiritual and historical significance for Sikhs and are widely recognised for their tradition of offering assistance to people regardless of their background. He argued that the sanctity of such religious institutions should be respected under all circumstances.
His remarks came amid controversy surrounding the reported police action during Saturday’s protests in the national capital. Mann’s criticism focused on the alleged disregard for religious practices within the gurdwara premises and the implications of such conduct for the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Chief Minister Says Incident Will Hurt Sikh Sentiments
In his statement, Mann said the Sikh community would not forgive the BJP over the alleged incident. His remarks placed the controversy at the centre of a wider political debate over the treatment of protesters and respect for religious institutions.
The Chief Minister’s response also underscored the importance of maintaining religious decorum at places of worship, particularly gurdwaras, which have historically provided shelter and support during difficult circumstances.
The allegations and Mann’s reaction have brought renewed attention to the reported events at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged police entry and the response from Delhi Police were not included in the statement provided.
The incident has emerged as a sensitive issue involving religious sentiments, police conduct and political reactions, with the sanctity of the Sikh shrine at the centre of the controversy.
