(Commonwealth_India) The leaders of the Akal Takht, Takht Damdama Sahib, Takht Kesgarh Sahib, and the SGPC President, Giani Raghbir Singh, Giani Harpreet Singh, Giani Sultan Singh, and Harjinder Singh Dhami, have vehemently denounced the recent assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. These leaders have expressed their intense anger and disapproval of the incident, asserting that it is not only a direct attack on a significant political figure but also an insult to the spiritual purity of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
In a video statement, Giani Raghbir Singh remarked that Sukhbir Singh Badal had been serving as a sewadar (volunteer) at the entrance of the Golden Temple when the attack took place. Giani Raghbir Singh emphasized that the assault targeted a sewadar performing religious duties at one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, not the individual, and he described it as highly condemnable. Giani Raghbir Singh also pointed out the broader implications of such an act, suggesting that it was an attack on the Sikh faith and its traditions.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami also strongly condemned the incident, calling it a direct attack on the dignity of the Golden Temple and its religious services. He emphasized that targeting Sukhbir Singh Badal while he was fulfilling his religious duties, as instructed by the Akal Takht, was deeply saddening and morally wrong. Dhami viewed the violent attack as an assault not only on an individual but also on the religious atmosphere of Sri Harmandir Sahib, a sacred space for Sikhs worldwide. He pointed out that Sukhbir was following the orders of the Akal Takht by performing a religious penance or ‘tankhah’, and attacking him during this time was not only an expression of anti-panthic sentiment but also a direct insult to the revered institution of the Akal Takht itself.
Dhami went on to highlight serious concerns about the safety and security of public figures in Punjab, especially those associated with the Akali Dal. He questioned the laxity of the Punjab government, police, and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of individuals who were performing religious duties assigned by the Akal Takht. Dhami called on the authorities to take stronger measures to protect Akali leaders and other public figures who are serving their community and fulfilling their religious obligations, particularly in light of this recent violent episode.
Ajaypal Singh Brar, president of the social-religious organization Misl Satluj, also weighed in on the matter, condemning the attack. He emphasized that while personal differences may exist between individuals, resorting to violence during a period of penance or religious service was deeply inappropriate and unjustifiable. Brar echoed concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, noting that the Punjab government must take immediate action to restore peace and ensure such incidents do not recur. If anyone harbored grievances against Sukhbir Singh Badal or his actions, he advised them to follow the correct channels and address the issue with the Akal Takht’s leadership, instead of resorting to violence.
Amritsar Member of Parliament Gurjeet Singh Aujla also expressed his dismay at the attack, calling it an unacceptable breach of both political and religious norms. Aujla further criticized the Punjab government for failing to maintain law and order, suggesting that such attacks on public figures undermined the peace and harmony in the state. He echoed the sentiments of other leaders, asserting that anyone with objections to Sukhbir’s actions could seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue, rather than resorting to such violent means.
The response from these religious and political leaders emphasizes the attack’s criminality and offence to Sikh spiritual and cultural values. The condemnation from all quarters highlights the collective concern over the erosion of peace and the apparent failure of the state authorities to safeguard public figures, especially those involved in religious service.
