PM Modi dials Harsimrat Badal after Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked in Nanded; leaders flay violence at religious place
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, over the phone and inquired about his health after the SAD chief was injured in an attack at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, sources said.
Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained an injury to his hand in the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
The attack, which took place at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur complex in Nanded, has triggered strong reactions from political and Sikh community leaders, with calls for a thorough and impartial investigation.
Prime Minister Modi also condemned the incident. He described the attack on Sukhbir Badal at Nanded Sahib as highly condemnable and said violence at a sacred place such as Sri Hazur Sahib was extremely unfortunate. He also wished Sukhbir Badal a speedy recovery.
The incident took place at around 11 am when Sukhbir Singh Badal was visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur in Nanded along with family, supporters and security personnel.
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Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered an injury to his hand and was subsequently taken to a private hospital.
The police have reportedly taken the alleged attacker into custody.
Leaders condemn attack
Former Punjab Chief Minister Maharani Preneet Kaur strongly condemned the attack and said such an incident should never have happened at a religious place.
She also expressed concern that an incident of this nature could not be viewed lightly and said there appeared to be a deeper conspiracy behind it. She offered prayers for Sukhbir Badal's recovery.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka also condemned the attack in strong terms. Kalka described the incident as unfortunate, condemnable and against Sikh principles.
He said attacking anyone inside a gurdwara was unacceptable and stressed that the Sikh tradition of Miri-Piri and the kirpan was meant for protecting the weak and standing against injustice, not for attacking people. He also expressed concern over the alleged use of Nihang attire in the incident.
Kalka appealed to Nihang Singh organisations and senior leaders to take serious note of such incidents and remain vigilant against individuals who, according to him, could bring disrepute to the Sikh community and the Nihang tradition.
Kalka said political disagreements should be dealt with through democratic means. “If someone has a disagreement with a political leader, the answer in a democracy should be given through the ballot, not through violence or a weapon,” he said. He also prayed for Sukhbir Badal's good health and recovery.
DSGMC general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon also joined in condemning the attack.
SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami termed the attack deeply painful and unfortunate. He said the incident took place at a sacred place that represents the faith of Sikhs and involved the head of a major Sikh political organisation who had gone to the gurdwara with his family to pay obeisance.
He said attacking a devotee inside a gurdwara was not only unacceptable but also an affront to the dignity and sanctity of the Guru Ghar.
- PTC NEWS
