Chandigarh, 04 September (H.S.): The alleged assault on Sikh youth Mohanjit Singh of Sheron village and the reported desecration of his kakaars has triggered strong reactions from Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Both have demanded strict action against the police officials allegedly involved.

Jathedar Gargaj said Punjab was facing a serious drug problem and that young people had a democratic right to raise their voice against it. He claimed that Mohanjit Singh had peacefully shown a black flag from the rooftop of a neighbour’s house during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to the village. According to him, displaying a black flag was not a crime and no citizen should be allegedly subjected to violence for doing so.

The Jathedar alleged that local DSP Harwinder Singh Khaira took the youth away from the spot and that he was later subjected to serious mistreatment. Citing the youth’s statement, Gargaj alleged that police personnel hit him on the back with a wire brush, applied salt to his injuries, struck him on the head with shoes and disrespected his beard, hair and kakaars.

He said he had also spoken to the Sangrur SSP and sought immediate action against the concerned DSP and SHO. Gargaj said that if the allegations were not properly investigated and action was not taken against those responsible, Sri Akal Takht Sahib would stand with the youth and take the matter forward. He added that he would soon meet Mohanjit Singh.

The Jathedar also expressed concern over the drug situation in Punjab and urged the government to take effective steps to curb the supply of narcotics. He said youngsters affected by drug addiction should be helped rather than isolated from society. He also appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs and reconnect with Sikh values and teachings.

Meanwhile, SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami termed the incident extremely unfortunate and condemnable. He said the government should answer questions raised over the drug problem instead of allegedly punishing those who speak out.

Dhami said kakaars are symbols of a Sikh’s religious identity, discipline and faith in the Guru, and any deliberate disrespect towards a Sikh’s hair or kakaars could not be tolerated.

He said questioning the government was a democratic right of every citizen and that using police force to silence dissent was against the spirit of democracy.

Dhami demanded an impartial investigation into the entire incident and strict legal action against any police officials found responsible.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH