Akal Takht asks gurdwaras to help Delhi victims

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 26

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh has asked gurdwara managements in Delhi to help victims of violence that has erupted there in the wake of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

At least 22 people have reportedly been killed and more than 150 injured during three days of violence in north-east Delhi between pro- and anti-CAA protesters.

Giani Harpreet Singh said the gurdwaras must open their doors to victims and members of their families irrespective of their religion.

“The basic tenet of Sikhism is to help those in distress. Anyone who approaches a gurdwara must be embraced, be it Hindu or Muslim. The gurdwaras are liable to provide them with shelter, food and medical aid. Women and children must be given special care,” he said.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjinder Singh Sirsa, said: “The DSGMC has performed ‘ardas’ at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib for peace and harmony in Delhi. The last three days have reminded us of 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The committee has decided that langar and medical aid will be arranged outside hospitals. Relief camps will be started for displaced people.”

Activists of the Folklore Research Academy, Jamhoori Adhikar Sabha and Pragtisheel Lekhak Sangh slammed BJP leader Kapil Mishra for allegedly making inflammatory statements before the violence broke out in Delhi.