Amritsar – The Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has strongly condemned the high-handedness by the administration at Panjab University, Chandigarh, against students associated with various Sikh-oriented student organizations, as well as the alleged disrespect shown toward their turbans and Sikh articles of faith.
He said that if students had objections regarding the event organized inside the university to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, it was the fundamental responsibility of the university administration to listen to their concerns rather than resorting to coercive measures.
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj stated that amid the controversy surrounding the program, the Panjab University administration had approached him a few days ago to help resolve the matter. Following this, he had suggested a solution to the university. However, instead of adopting a serious and constructive approach, the university administration allegedly acted arbitrarily under a certain agenda. He said that strict notice has been taken of this conduct.
The Jathedar further stated that the alleged actions of Chandigarh Police against students who had gathered for a protest—pushing them, striking Sikh students directly on their chests with batons, removing their turbans, and disrespecting their articles of faith (Kakars)—are completely unacceptable. He demanded strict action against the officials of both the university and the police who were responsible for the incident.
He added that the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s Gurbani instruct Sikhs neither to instill fear in others nor to accept fear from anyone. However, he said the conduct of the Chandigarh administration and the Panjab University authorities toward Sikh students is entirely contrary to the teachings of the Guru.
He emphasized that expressing protest is the democratic right of students and that their voices cannot be suppressed through force.