Alamgir gurdwara langar hall attacked with bricks and stones: Jathedar Gargaj, Giani Tek Singh and Advocate Dhami demand strict action

PTC Web Desk: An attack by a group of people, who threw bricks and stones at the langar hall of the historic Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Patshahi Dasvin in Alamgir, Ludhiana district, Punjab, has drawn sharp condemnation from the Sikh leadership. 

Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh and SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami have all called the incident intolerable and demanded stringent legal action against those responsible.

Jathedar Gargaj and Giani Tek Singh said gurdwara management, local SGPC members and Sikh leaders acted promptly. The accused had been sent to jail  and the illegal occupations had been vacated. However, both leaders said the mindset behind the incident was a cause for concern, as it threatened the peace and communal harmony of Punjab.

Both Jathedars criticised the Ludhiana district administration. They said it was a serious lapse that outsiders could occupy valuable land without fear. Jathedar Gargaj called it a major failure on the part of the administration.

They urged the state government to take the incident seriously and ensure that no outsider or unlawful element is able to carry out such acts in Punjab.

Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has sought a complete report from the SGPC. He has also written to the Deputy Commissioner and the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana, asking them to ensure strict action. In addition, he has written to the Punjab Chief Secretary, asking the government to stop illegal encroachments near historic gurdwaras.

'Langar is open to all'

Jathedat Gargaj and Giani Tek Singh said gurdwaras serve langar to every needy person. Giani Tek Singh said gurdwaras followed the principle of 'Sarbat da Bhala' (welfare of all) and keep their doors open to the poor and needy at all times. But if anyone attacks a langar hall or a gurdwara as an aggressor, he warned, the Sikh community will never tolerate it.

Jathedar Kuldeeo Singh Gargaj also expressed concern over AI-generated fake images linked to the incident being circulated online. He appealed to people to use technology positively and avoid worsening the atmosphere.

Advocate Dhami demands impartial probe

SGPC president Advocate Dhami also strongly condemned the incident. He said targeting a place of langar seva is a very serious matter that cannot be tolerated and described gurdwaras as centres of faith and equality for the sangat.

Advocate Dhami has issued instructions to the local SGPC member and the gurdwara manager. He has also demanded that the police conduct an impartial investigation and take strict legal action against the accused.