Delhi Protesters Seek Refuge at Gurdwara Amid Police Controversy
Protesters took shelter at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, leading to a viral video of police in the shrine sparking political tensions.
Protesters sought refuge at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib during a police crackdown.
A viral video showing police in shoes at the shrine raised allegations of disrespect.
Delhi Police clarified that officers were in a common passage, but criticism continues.
On Saturday, a significant protest in Delhi took an unexpected turn when demonstrators sought refuge at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. This incident coincided with a viral video that showed police officers walking through the gurdwara premises while wearing shoes, igniting a political firestorm and accusations of disrespect towards Sikh customs.
The video, which quickly spread across social media, depicted uniformed officers traversing a passage within the gurdwara, with some not adhering to the customary practice of removing footwear and covering their heads before entering sacred areas. This footage emerged as police were actively working to prevent a planned protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, resulting in numerous detentions across the city.
In response to the uproar, the Deputy Commissioner of Police for New Delhi stated that the officers were using a common passage designated for devotees to remove their shoes before entering the gurdwara. The police released additional footage to support their claim, asserting that the video was circulated with malicious intent, potentially harming religious sentiments and disrupting communal harmony. However, the police did not address the specific concern regarding officers not covering their heads.
The incident has drawn criticism from various political leaders. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab leader Aman Arora accused the police of entering the gurdwara with shoes on and batons in hand, while Punjab Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira emphasized that the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag, symbolizes refuge and criticized the government for obstructing protesters seeking shelter.
Harmeet Singh Kalka, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, raised concerns about the presence of protesters within the gurdwara, suggesting that their actions were inappropriate. He stated that while gurdwaras are open to all, they should not serve as venues for political demonstrations. Kalka also defended the police's actions in removing protesters, questioning what alternative options were available if individuals entered the sacred space. The situation remains tense as the political discourse continues, with calls for accountability and respect for religious customs.
