Akal Takht Jathedar Condemns Panjab University and Police Actions Against Sikh Students
In a strong statement issued from Amritsar on Monday, the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, vehemently condemned the alleged high-handedness by the administration at Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh. He also criticized the reported disrespect shown by authorities towards students associated with various Sikh-oriented organizations, particularly targeting their turbans and articles of faith.
University's Failure to Address Student Concerns
Giani Gargaj emphasized that if students objected to an event organized inside the university to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, it was the fundamental responsibility of the university administration to listen to their concerns. Instead, he accused the administration of resorting to coercive measures, which he described as arbitrary and agenda-driven. The jathedar revealed that amid the controversy, the Panjab University administration had approached him a few days ago seeking help to resolve the matter. Following this, he proposed a solution, but he claimed the university failed to adopt a serious and constructive approach, leading to strict notice being taken of their conduct.
Unacceptable Police Actions Against Students
Further escalating his criticism, Giani Gargaj highlighted the actions of the Chandigarh Police against the students. He alleged that police officers pushed students, struck Sikh students with batons, removed their turbans, and disrespected their articles of faith, known as kakars. These actions, he stated, were completely unacceptable and a grave violation of religious rights and dignity.
Call for Strict Action Against Officials
In response to the incident, the jathedar demanded strict action against the officials of both Panjab University and the Chandigarh Police who were responsible for the alleged misconduct. He urged authorities to hold those accountable to prevent such incidents in the future and to uphold the principles of respect and dialogue in educational institutions.
