SGPC urges Himachal Pradesh to address Sikh mistreatment

The president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, has urged the Himachal Pradesh government to take action against what he calls "communal" elements. This comes after reports of mistreatment of Punjabi youths who are Sikh pilgrims. Dhami expressed concern over incidents where individuals have removed Nishan Sahib flags and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from vehicles belonging to Sikh pilgrims in Himachal Pradesh. He stated that these actions create a climate of fear for those visiting Sikh gurdwaras across the country. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a multi-religious and multicultural society, crediting Sikhs for their sacrifices in this regard. Dhami criticized both the Himachal Pradesh government and police for not addressing these issues effectively. He also called on the Punjab government to speak out against the treatment of Sikh pilgrims. Tensions escalated recently when local youths in Himachal Pradesh clashed with Punjabi youths over images of Bhindranwale displayed on flags. Following these confrontations, a Himachal Pradesh bus was vandalized in Kharar, Mohali. In other news, Dhami inaugurated a new private ward at the Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital in Amritsar. This ward is part of the SGPC's health initiatives and offers modern facilities for patients. Amid these developments, a protest is planned at the SGPC headquarters on March 28. The Damdami Taksal is organizing this event in response to the removal of certain jathedars, or religious leaders, by the SGPC. The Taksal's chief has called on Sikhs to gather peacefully for this demonstration.