Akal Takht, SGPC back Kaur, criticise ABVP

AMRITSAR: Coming out in support of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur on Wednesday, Akal Takht jathedar Gurbachan Singh and Shiromani Gurdwarara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Kirpal Singh Badungar slammed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and appealed to everyone to ensure her safety.

The Akal Takht jathedar said those issuing threats to Gurmehar, daughter of a Kargil martyr, should be ashamed of themselves, emphasising that Sikhs have always rescued daughters and sisters of others from cruel rulers, and today a Sikh daughter was facing threats of rape.

“Sikh qaum is standing with Gurmehar and will remain so... providing her safety is basic duty of every human being... Delhi government should be sincere on the issue. If any unfortunate incident takes place, Sikhs will never tolerate it,” said the head of highest temporal seat of Sikhs. Badungar also condemned threats received by Gurmehar following her social media campaign against the ABVP, and directly targeted the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), an Akali ally.

In a press release issued here, he said threats to Gurmehar and “this kind of hooliganism on pretext of nationalism” is a big challenge for the country.

“Followers of every religion in the country have the right of freedom and it should be protected,” he said, adding that safety of women was of utmost importance.

Lauding Gurmehar, he said all the SGPC office-bearers will ensure her safety.