Amritsar: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has strongly condemned the Haryana Police for using force, including lathicharging and firing tear gas shells, on peaceful Sikh protesters in Ambala. Describing the sudden police action as deeply unfortunate and unjust, the Jathedar highlighted the contradiction in the state government initiating dialogue with the community on one hand while simultaneously resorting to force against demonstrators during the night.
The incident resulted in injuries to several people, including Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) President Jagdish Singh Jhinda, along with committee members, staff, Sikh devotees, and police personnel. Jathedar Gargajj contacted Jhinda via phone to enquire about his health and the condition of the injured, while also assessing the on-ground situation. Jhinda expressed dismay over the police crackdown, noting that such aggressive measures were unwarranted given that formal talks with the administration were already underway.
Jathedar Gargajj asserted that the entire matter could have been resolved smoothly through mutual dialogue and called for a thorough investigation into why force was deployed unexpectedly. He raised concerns regarding possible infiltration by anti-Sikh elements aimed at provoking security forces, creating chaos, and defaming an otherwise peaceful demonstration.
The Jathedar further remarked that the confrontation could have been completely avoided had the Haryana government taken prompt legal action against those responsible for driving a vehicle into Sikh devotees at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib during the Parkash Gurpurab celebrations of the eighth Guru. Demanding the immediate release of detained Sikh youth and the arrest of the Panjokhra Sahib perpetrators, he urged the Haryana government to prioritize constructive dialogue over confrontation. He also appealed to the Sikh community in Haryana to maintain unity, discipline, and peaceful conduct while remaining vigilant against disruptive elements.
