Amritsar, March 17 — Akal Takht has taken serious note of a violent clash in Himachal Pradesh, where local residents confronted Sikh Punjabi youth over flags bearing the image of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale displayed on their vehicles.
Akal Takht officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to raise the issue with the Himachal Pradesh government.
He also urged Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to ensure law and order, stating that certain elements were attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
A video from Kullu shows locals clashing with the Sikh youth over the flag, with reports of another similar altercation in Manikaran Valley. The confrontation escalated when police stopped the youth for vehicle document verification.
“There was no reason for local miscreants to reprimand them or object to the flag and image of Sant Bhindranwale. It is unfortunate that this happened in the presence of local police,” Jathedar Gargaj said, adding that questioning Bhindranwale’s image was unjustified.
He issued an advisory urging Sikh youth to keep their vehicle documents in order and avoid traveling alone to Himachal Pradesh.
Akal Takht recognizes Sant Bhindranwale as a ‘Qaumi Shaheed’ (community martyr). The Jathedar called on the Himachal Pradesh government to take strict action against those fueling tensions and ensure the safety of all communities.
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