NEW DELHI- Delhi Akali chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and police chiefs of all states to issue clear instructions prohibiting police and security personnel from barging into gurdwaras, whether historic or local Singh Sabha gurdwaras, in pursuit of protesters.
Reacting to the developments at Sri Bangla Sahib, Sarna said gurdwaras have a long tradition of offering shelter, food and assistance to people in distress, irrespective of their political affiliations. “A gurdwara is a place of refuge and sewa. Its sanctity must be respected by every government and law-enforcement agency. No protester should be dragged out of a shrine simply because the police are pursuing them, ” he said.
Sarna said the Union Home Minister and state police chiefs must establish clear protocols for handling situations involving places of worship. Law enforcement must remain within the law, exercise restraint and coordinate with gurdwara management committees instead of resorting to force on sacred premises. Any alleged offence should be dealt with through lawful procedures, without treating gurdwaras as extensions of police operations.
“The right to maintain law and order does not confer a licence to disregard religious sanctity, ” Sarna said. “Today’s protesters may be tomorrow’s citizens seeking help in a crisis. The Sikh tradition of opening our doors to those in need must not be compromised by political or police pressure. I urge Amit Shah Ji and all state police chiefs to ensure that no gurdwara is turned into a hunting ground for protesters.”