Amritsar, June 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly condemned the alleged removal of turbans of Sikh youths by Uttarakhand Police following a recent incident at Karnaprayag and has urged the Uttarakhand Government to order a high-level, impartial investigation into the matter.
Expressing serious concern over the developments, Dhami said that the Sikh turban and Kirpan are sacred articles of faith and that Sikhs enjoy a constitutionally protected right to wear them. He stressed that respecting the religious sentiments and symbols of all faiths is a constitutional obligation for government authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Referring to the incident, the SGPC chief said that reports indicate some local individuals initially attacked Sikh youths, leading to an escalation of tensions. However, instead of taking balanced and impartial action, the police allegedly registered cases against Sikh pilgrims. He described the reported removal of turbans from arrested Sikh youths and their alleged public humiliation as highly unfortunate and deeply hurtful to Sikh sentiments.
Dhami asserted that ensuring the safety, dignity and respectful treatment of Sikh pilgrims travelling to Sri Hemkunt Sahib is the responsibility of the Uttarakhand Government. He said that discrimination, mistreatment or high-handedness towards Sikh devotees cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Appealing to the Sikh community to maintain peace, restraint and unity, the SGPC President urged members of the Sangat not to be provoked by the incident. He also called upon local Sikh leaders to engage with the government and police administration to secure justice for the affected youths.
Dhami further appealed to the Uttarakhand Government and its administration to respect Sikh sentiments, conduct a fair and transparent investigation, and take action against elements making inflammatory statements that could disturb communal harmony.
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