Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly condemned the registration of police cases against Sikh devotees, weapon traders and individuals associated with Sikh religious traditions at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded (Maharashtra).
“The seizure of a large number of kirpans and traditional Sikh weapons by the police is highly unfortunate and an action that has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments,” said Dhami.
Dhami said weapons hold immense significance in Sikhism and that the Sikh Gurus instructed every Sikh to remain armed in defence of righteousness. He said that carrying and maintaining weapons forms an integral part of Sikh religious practice and identity.
The SGPC chief stated that Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is one of the holiest Sikh shrines, where the service, preservation and reverence of traditional weapons have remained an inseparable part of Sikh religious traditions for centuries.
He said the recent action by the administration, disregarding these long-standing traditions, has generated widespread resentment within the Sikh community.
Dhami maintained that while every citizen is duty-bound to follow the law, authorities responsible for enforcing the law must also respect the religious sentiments, traditions and historical practices of the Sikh faith. He said administrative actions should not be carried out in a manner that hurts the religious feelings of any community.
Calling upon the Maharashtra government and local authorities to immediately withdraw the cases registered in the matter, Dhami said Sikhs have always remained committed to safeguarding their religious symbols, martial traditions and the distinct identity bestowed upon them by the Sikh Gurus.
He urged governments and administrations to remain sensitive to Sikh traditions and ensure that their dignity and sanctity are respected at all times.
