Sikh Community Stages Protest Over Alleged Takeover Attempt at Haryana Medical Institute
In a significant demonstration of community solidarity, members of the Sikh community from across Haryana converged at the Miri Piri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MPIMSR) in Shahabad Markanda, Kurukshetra, on Tuesday. The gathering was organized to protest an alleged attempt to forcibly take control of the institute and the subsequent police action taken against its trustees and devotees.
Allegations of Illegal Control and Police Inaction
The protest was triggered by serious allegations that Baljit Singh Daduwal, a co-opted member of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), attempted to seize illegal control of the institute. The MPIMSR is operated by a charitable trust and receives substantial support from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Protesters expressed deep frustration, claiming that despite a formal complaint filed by the institute's management, local police registered a case against the trustees and members of the Sikh community instead of taking action against the accused. This perceived injustice has sparked widespread resentment within the community.
SGPC President Condemns Police Action
Addressing the assembled crowd, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly condemned the police response, describing it as "high-handed". He emphasized that the Miri Piri Trust functions as an independent body and highlighted the SGPC's significant financial contributions, amounting to crores of rupees annually, for various welfare activities across Haryana.
Dhami referenced a previous legal dispute, noting that the matter had reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court had granted a stay order when the HSGMC allegedly attempted to take control of the institute earlier. He accused Daduwal and his associates of violating these court directions and confirmed that contempt proceedings have been initiated against them.
Community Demands and Future Plans
SGPC members revealed that the infrastructure for a proposed medical college at the institute is fully prepared and operational. They urgently appealed to the government to grant a no-objection certificate for 100 MBBS seats, which would significantly enhance medical education in the region.
The hospital associated with the institute is already providing essential healthcare services to the local population. Community leaders asserted that the sangat (Sikh community) would vigorously resist any further attempts at illegal possession or control of the facility.
Formal Demands and Widespread Participation
A detailed memorandum outlining the community's demands was formally submitted to the Kurukshetra police administration. The document specifically calls for immediate action against those responsible for the alleged takeover attempt and the subsequent police case.
The protest witnessed participation from numerous Sikh leaders and devotees representing various districts across Haryana, underscoring the widespread concern and unity within the community regarding this issue.
