Chandigarh, Aug 13 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Thursday condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra, saying such an incident should not happen, particularly at a Gurdwara Sahib.
Condemning the incident, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said, “The attack attempt should be condemned in the strongest terms. There is no place for such violence at a religious institution, and the sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must be respected.”
At the same time, Pannu added, “The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) also needs to understand the sentiments that continue to exist among the Sikh community over the ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) incidents of 2015. The Akali Dal formed governments five times by seeking votes in the name of the Panth, but during its government in power in the state, incidents of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib took place at several places in 2015.”
Referring to the protests that followed the incidents, the AAP Punjab Media In-charge said, “When people came out peacefully to protest against the desecration, dirty water cannons and even firing were used against them, resulting in the deaths of two Sikhs.”
He added that the pain and resentment over those incidents continue to remain alive in the minds of Sikhs even today.
“This sentiment needs to be understood.”
He said while any attempt to attack a person must be condemned, the Akali Dal must also recognise the emotions and grievances that emerged from the events of 2015.
AAP leader Pannu said, “The sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must be respected and no such incident of violence should take place at a religious place.”
Badal was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon by a Nihang Sikh when he was there to pay obeisance along with his family.
The accused reportedly attacked Badal using a ‘kirpan’. However, Badal is out of danger and undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Nanded.
Earlier, former Deputy Chief Minister Badal was attacked on December 4, 2024, while performing Sewadar duties at the gate of Golden Temple in Amritsar.
–IANS
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