EXCLUSIVE: Tension prevails in the Majha region a day after Guru Granth Sahib’s sacreliege in Tarn Taran village

Sikh protesters at Bauhri Chowk Tarn Taran
Sikh protesters at Bauhri Chowk Tarn Taran

TARN TARAN, Punjab—A day after angs of Guru Granth Sahib were found torn inside a Gurdwara sahib in village Baath, deep tension prevailed in whole Majha region. Complete shutdown, number of demonstrations and blockade of roads were witnessed today in Tarn Taran, many parts of Amritsar and other districts of Majha region.

It is worth mentioning that on Friday, a woman, who had gone to the gurdwara for reciting gurbani at 3 pm, found as many as 30 pages of a Bir of Guru Granth Sahib torn.  As the incident came to light, people in large numbers gathered in the village to protest against the sacrilege.  Representatives of various Sikh organizations had given a call for shutdown in Tarn Taran and surrounding areas.

Today, thousands of Sikh protesters gathered in Tarn Taran and led protest marches at various places demanding arrest of those behind the act. They shouted slogans against the Badal government.

Meanwhile, thousands of people from nearby villages also poured into the city riding on tractor-trolleys. Members of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also extended their support to the agitation held against the alleged desecration of the holy bir.

Heavy Police force was deployed in the city to prevent untoward incident. However, no such incident was reported from anywhere of the district.

A number of dharnas were staged on various places, chowks and other key locations across the districts. Patti, Bhikhiwind, Khalra, Khemkaran, Khadur Sahib, Fatehabad, Goindwal Sahib, Chabhal, Amarkot, Chohla Sahib, Sarhali Klan, Naushehra Pannuan, Sheron and others also remained shut completely.

In addition, thousands of protesters staged dharna on Amritsar-Sri-Ganganagar national highway at village Rasoolpur Nehran from where the road turns to Patti city. Congress general secretary Harminder Singh Gill, United Akali Dal (UAD) general secretary Satnam SIngh Manawa, Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwala) president Dr. Gurjinder Singh were among those who sit in the dharna.

Addressing the agitators, Harminder Singh Gill said, “Punjab is seeing worst days as such situation did not prevail in the days of 1978 when Sikh-Nirankari episode took place. CM Badal is totally responsible for the deep crisis.”

“For his inefficiency to tackle with the worst situation, Punjab’s home minister Sukhbir Badal should resign and president rule must be imposed in the state in view of failure of the state government. I participated in dharna not as a Congress leader but as a humble Sikh. Irrespective of any party, every politicians should take part in the struggle being Sikhs to restore the respect and dignity of Guru Granth Sahib”, he added.

He also sought resignation of the Jathedar for pushing the community into to whirlpool of edicts which are dictated by Badal family for its vested political interests.  

Unprecedented loneliness was  witnessed on all the roads including national highway. Protesters also cut number of trees of Safaida (Eucalyptus) and laid down it to block the Amritsar-Sri Ganganagar National Highway. All other roads were also blocked and Transport service remained totally closed. Rare two-wheeler vehicles were seen on the road.

Besides, a dharna also continued on bridge of Beas river near Goindwal Sahib. Hundreds of Sikh protesters are sitting on dharna which has blocked the bridge that links up the Doaba and Majha region. The protesters said they will not lift dharna until Sikh community is not delivered justice.

Dharna on Harike bridge enter 3rd days

Dharna on Harike bridge has hit the life of people greatly as it broke the link of Majha and Malwa region. As many as 10,000 to 15, ooo protesters are still sitting on the bridge. Since the bridge is the only way to link up the regions, commuters are suffering a lot due to the demonstration which started on Thursday evening. The protesters said the dharna would continue until culprits of desecration of the holy bir and killing of two Sikh youth are not booked and punished.

2 COMMENTS

  1. This is a “Religious Provocation Trap “ .

    Some one deliberately Engineer a Sacrilege — People get angry —- People Start a Protest — Somebody shoots the protesting crowd —Passion gets inflamed— Law and order worsens — State calls the Police and Army for law and order problem — state then becomes a police state — Blue star -2 and Woodrose like operation ensues — You loose your freedom and loved ones — and another bitter era like the 1980-1990 ensues.

    Advise ;– Don’t fall in this “Religious Provocation Trap “ .

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