Police, SAD against raising gurdwara: Congress MLA

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, May 27

Congress MLA from Muktsar Karan Kaur Brar, accompanied by a large number of residents of neighbouring Goneana village, today held a press conference.

She alleged that the police and some SAD leaders were not allowing the villagers to set up a gurdwara at the village.

Karan Kaur Brar alleged, “It has been three months that the villagers are daily facing problems regarding the establishment of a new gurdwara. They have two ‘birs’ (holy books) and have started Akhand Path as well, but the police frequently visit them and tell them to come to the police station.”

“They are being harassed just because most of them are Congressmen. Almost every village has more than one gurdwara, but I am unable to understand the objection behind establishing another gurdwara in Goneana village. The villagers have even met senior officers and Jathedar of Akal Takht, SGPC chief and local gurdwara manager, but they are not being heard,” added Brar.

Meanwhile, Nirmal Singh, a resident of Goneana village, said, “The issue has arisen just because the village panchayat did not like Baba ji, who served at the old gurdwara for a long time. Baba ji had done a wonderful job, especially some social works but he was ousted. Now, nobody is listening to us and we are being harassed.”

He alleged that yesterday, a police party had come to the village, summoned 10 persons to the police station, including three minor boys.

“What is the point of summoning minors to a police station?” asked Nirmal Singh.

Jarnail Singh, manager, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Muktsar, said, “The Akal Takht has issued directions regarding establishment of new gurdwaras. Permission has to be sought from the Akal Takht and an inquiry panel will grant permission. The rules are very strict, especially after the sacrilege incidents. Further, the gurdwara is being set up in the fields and not a residential area. Some people are unnecessarily making it an issue.”