Chandigarh : Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has strongly criticised the alleged high-handedness of the Panjab University administration and the Chandigarh Police during a recent protest by Sikh students on the university campus. He also raised serious concerns about what he described as disrespect toward turbans and Sikh articles of faith during the police intervention.
The controversy stems from an incident on March 9 during a seminar organised at Panjab University to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The event focused on the life and philosophy of the ninth Sikh Guru. However, tensions arose when some student groups objected to the presence of a functionary associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the chief guest. The protesting students alleged that inviting the RSS representative amounted to promoting a particular political ideology at a university event.
As protests intensified, the Chandigarh Police intervened and reportedly detained several students. Reacting to the development, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj stated that if students had objections regarding the programme or its guests, it was the responsibility of the university administration to engage with them and address their concerns rather than resorting to force.
He further claimed that the university administration had approached him a few days before the event seeking assistance in resolving the issue. Gargaj said he had suggested a possible solution aimed at maintaining harmony and preventing confrontation. However, he alleged that the administration did not adopt a constructive approach and instead handled the situation arbitrarily.
The acting Jathedar also accused the police of using excessive force against Sikh students during the protest. According to him, some students were allegedly struck on their chests with batons, while turbans were removed and Sikh articles of faith were disrespected during the action. He described the alleged treatment as deeply hurtful to the Sikh community.
The incident has sparked debate on campus and among community leaders, with calls for a fair inquiry into the events and greater sensitivity while dealing with students and religious sentiments. Gargaj urged authorities to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that the dignity and religious identity of Sikh students are respected at all times.
