SGPC, AKAL TAKHT FOR ACTION AGAINST MARSHALS

The use of force to evict Aam Aadmi Party legislators from the Punjab assembly on Thursday has evoked sharp reactions.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Kirpal Singh Badungar slammed the marshals for showing “disrespect” to the turban, a Sikh article of faith.

Leader of opposition HS Phoolka has claimed turbans of three party legislators – Manjit Singh, Pirmal Singh and Jai Kishan Rody – were tossed in the melee.

Talking to mediapersons at Anandpur Sahib, Badungar said the action of the assembly staff had hurt the sentiments of the community.

Alleging that Sikhs have always faced high-handedness under the Congress governments, he said chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh should take action against the erring politicians and officials.

Akal Takht jathedar Gurbachan Singh, too, sought strict action against the marshals.

In a release, the jathedar said turban is the pride of Sikh men, and to keep its honour they have had to take part in many struggles.

“But today the government itself is disrespecting it,” he said.

Former deputy speaker Bir Devinder Singh also condemned the use of force against MLAs.

“In my entire political career, spanning almost 40 years, I have never seen such a brazen display of brutality unleashed against the elected representatives,” he said. “Such ghastly episode... has brought shame to the glory of the exalted House.”