AMRITSAR: Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly objected to the statement
made by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur regarding Sikh flags and portrait of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale.
In a communication to Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh, Advocate Dhami said that the head of state is responsible for the security of every community, his communal statement could harm the peace of the country.
He said that India is a multi-religious and multi-lingual country in which everyone has religious freedom.
He said that Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindrawala was a national martyr of Sikhs who had been conferred the title of martyr from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest seat of the Sikh community.
Mr Dhammi said that many Sikh shrines were being visited in Himachal Pradesh and the pilgrims were being stopped and pictures of Nishan Sahib and Sikh martyrs were being forcibly removed from their vehicles. It is unfortunate that instead of restraining the police administration on this issue, the Chief Minister of the state Mr. Jai Ram Thakur has made a statement against Sikh sentiments.
It is not permissible for him to question the picture of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, he added
He said that the constitution of the country gives freedom of religion and freedom of expression to everyone but the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh was expressing hatred towards the Sikh leader.
He said that Sikhs have always contributed for the progress of the country and have served every community without any discrimination in the face of any calamity befalling the country.
Advocate Dhami said that the Chief Minister of Himachal should not forget that if the whole country is enjoying the warmth of freedom today, it is because of the great role of Sikhs.