Mann, parties, SGPC condemn killing of 2 Sikhs in Pak
CHANDIGARH: The killing of two Sikh businessmen in Pakistan on Sunday drew strong condemnation in India, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urging the External Affairs Ministry to raise with the neighbouring country the issue of the safety of minority community members living there.
Making a similar demand, former chief minister Amarinder Singh alleged the Pakistan government was only doing lip service to Sikhs, while
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the apex gurudwara body, SGPC, said justice should be ensured to the bereaved families.
The two Sikhs were shot dead on Sunday by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the latest targeted killing of the minority community members in the restive province bordering Afghanistan.
Saljeet Singh, 42, and Ranjeet Singh, 38, died on the spot after being attacked by two bike-borne assailants in the morning.
Taking to Twitter, CM Mann said, “I strongly condemn the gruesome killing of two Sikh youths in Peshawar, Pakistan. I also request our Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankarji to speak to Pakistan to raise the concern and ensure the safety of Hindu and Sikh minorities residing in Pakistan.” Condemning the killings, Amarinder Singh said, “I’ve always said, Govt of Pakistan only does lip service for Sikhs without ensuring their security. Request PMO India to take serious note.” “Shocked and pained to learn about the dastardly killing of Sikh shopkeepers — Ranjit Singh and Kuljeet Singh in Peshawar. Condemning the incident, I urge EAM Jaishankar to ensure justice to the bereaved families and also to take up Sikhs’ safety issue with Pakistan PMO,” tweeted Badal.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dham said Pakistan must ensure the security and safety of Sikhs living there. “We strongly condemn the cowardly murders of two Sikhs. Pakistan government should fulfil its responsibility diligently as such murders of minorities is a matter of great concern for the entire world, especially the Sikhs,” said Dhami, demanding immediate arrest of the killers.