Chandigarh, The North American Punjabi Association on Sunday expressed concern over reports of police action on Sikh devotees at the historic Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi during Saturday’s protest and demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into the incident.
It also sought clarification regarding a video purportedly showing Delhi Police personnel entering the Bangla Sahib wearing shoes while going to detain protesters who had taken shelter there. Chahal also called for an inquiry into allegations that women protesters were mishandled and that police personnel ignored their requests for help. The association also referred to the Delhi Police’s clarification that footage showing personnel wearing shoes was recorded in a common passage leading to the designated shoe-removal area. NA demanded that officers found responsible for any unlawful use of force face strict departmental and legal action.
He said the turban was an important symbol of Sikh identity, dignity and faith, and any allegation of its forcible removal during police action should be investigated seriously. Acknowledging the police’s responsibility to maintain law and order, NA said the incident should be examined through a fair and impartial investigation.
Chahal appealed to the President, the Union Home Ministry, the Delhi administration and the relevant human-rights authorities to ensure a credible investigation and make the action taken public.
