Akal Takht seeks fair probe into Karnaprayag incident, urges Uttarakhand govt to ensure safety of Sikh pilgrims

PTC Web Desk:  Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has called for an impartial and high-level investigation into the recent Karnaprayag incident involving Sikh youths in Uttarakhand and urged the state government to guarantee the safety and dignity of Sikh pilgrims travelling to Sri Hemkunt Sahib.

Expressing serious concern over reports of alleged mistreatment of Sikh youths in Uttarakhand, the Jathedar said the state administration must ensure that devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage to Sri Hemkunt Sahib can do so without fear or harassment.

He also took strong exception to statements reportedly issued by representatives of Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust advising Sikhs not to carry their traditional weapons during the pilgrimage. Calling such remarks unfortunate, he stated that the Trust would be asked to explain its position. He emphasised that it is the Trust’s responsibility to coordinate with the Uttarakhand Government and ensure that Sikh pilgrims are not subjected to any form of discrimination or intimidation along the pilgrimage route.

Referring to the Karnaprayag incident, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj questioned the conduct of the Uttarakhand Police, describing the action taken against Sikh youths as appearing one-sided. He alleged that the youths were booked under stringent legal provisions, subjected to custodial mistreatment, physically assaulted  and publicly paraded after their turbans were removed.

The Jathedar demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter and sought strict action against any officials found responsible for hurting Sikh religious sentiments. He stated that information available so far suggests that local individuals had allegedly initiated the confrontation, following which the Sikh youths acted in self-defence. He added that the right to self-protection is natural in such circumstances.

Highlighting the religious significance of the turban and kirpan, he said governments and law-enforcement agencies across the country are fully aware that both are integral articles of faith for Sikhs. Publicly removing turbans from Sikh individuals after arrest, he said, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns and therefore warrants an independent investigation.

The Akal Takht Jathedar also cautioned the Uttarakhand government against allowing any atmosphere where Sikhs feel targeted. He alleged that certain local elements were exerting pressure that resulted in biased action by authorities, while inflammatory content against Sikhs circulating on social media was not being adequately addressed.

According to him, attempts to create hostility against Sikhs through public campaigns and media narratives are being noticed by the community and Sikhs must remain vigilant. He warned that such incidents could deepen feelings of alienation among members of the Sikh community.

Drawing parallels with similar incidents reported in Himachal Pradesh in the past, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said Sikh concerns had not received sufficient support from state authorities. He expressed doubt that the Punjab Government would actively intervene in such matters and stated that the Sikh community would continue to address these issues collectively.

The Jathedar advised Sikh pilgrims travelling to Sri Hemkunt Sahib to remain united, stay prepared and maintain their religious identity while exercising restraint and avoiding any action that could be construed as taking the law into their own hands.

He further directed Sikh organisations in Uttarakhand to work together in assisting pilgrims and helping resolve any difficulties they may face during the yatra.

He instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to extend legal assistance to the Sikh youths arrested in connection with the Karnaprayag case. He also appealed to Sikh devotees travelling through Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to immediately report any incidents of harassment or discrimination to the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.