Chandigarh, August 14: Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Media Incharge Baltej Pannu strongly denounced a reported attack attempt targeting Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, maintaining that physical aggression has no place within sacred premises. Speaking from Chandigarh, the media representative affirmed that the sanctity of religious sites must be preserved without exception, while noting that the political leadership of the Akali Dal must simultaneously reflect on deep-seated community grievances stemming from past governance decisions.
The official statement follows reported security disruptions during the Akali Dal leader’s visit to the revered Sikh shrine in Nanded.
Baltej Pannu declared that the attack attempt should be condemned in the strongest terms. He affirmed, “There is no place for such violence at a religious institution, and the sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must be respected.”
Reflecting on broader public sentiments across the region, the media representative noted that historical incidents continue to weigh heavily on community memory. He maintained that the Shiromani Akali Dal built significant political support over multiple terms in the name of the Panth, yet faced severe criticism following desecration events that transpired under its previous administration.
Baltej Pannu asserted that when people came out peacefully to protest against the desecration, dirty water cannons and even firing were used against them, resulting in the deaths of two Sikhs.
He maintained that the pain and resentment over those incidents continue to remain alive in the minds of the public, noting that political leaders must remain mindful of these historical realities. He declared that while violence against any individual remains unacceptable, addressing long-standing public grievances remains essential for broader reconciliation.
