'Sikh sentiments hurt': Gurdwara body questions protesters for intrusion into premises

DSGMC chief Harmeet Singh Kalka slams protesters and police over the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib incident

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara management committee (DSGMC) has criticised protesters for entering Gurdwara Bangla Sahib during October 10 demonstrations in Delhi, saying the incident "hurt Sikh sentiments". DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka alleged that some protesters had entered the premises with placards and raised slogans, and attempted to force their way into a hall but were stopped by gurdwara staff. “It is deeply distressing to see attempts being made to turn Gurudwara Bangla Sahib into a political arena. This is a sacred institution—a place where people come to offer prayers and seek relief from their suffering. Yet, protesters intruded and attempted to stage a demonstration there, deeply hurting Sikh sentiments,” Kalka said. He added, “One may offer prayers inside the Gurudwara, but protests are not permitted.” Kalka also questioned the criticism of police action, while objecting to uniformed personnel walking through the shrine’s grounds. “The sight of police personnel walking through the Gurudwara premises hurts the hearts of the Sikh community. It is absolutely intolerable for police in uniform to traverse the Gurudwara grounds, as this is not a public thoroughfare,” he said. At the same time, he asked what the police were expected to do if protesters entered the premises to demonstrate. “After police entered to remove them, a big issue was made... If miscreants enter the premises, what will police do if not remove them? Would you prefer protesters to sloganeer inside the gurdwara?” he said.

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Accusing AAP leaders of politicising the episode, Kalka said the gurdwara could not be used as a venue for demonstrations. “I want to say this bluntly” No no one has the right to protest inside a gurdwara and we won’t tolerate any politics over this issue. He added that the committee’s responsibility was to preserve the sanctity of the shrine, which provides food and shelter to people regardless of background. Several protesters, fearing detention, took shelter at the gurdwara in central Delhi as security was tightened across the capital.

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