Sidhu says sorry for pics with Sikh symbols

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, December 30

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has tendered an apology for hurting religious sentiments by draping a piece of cloth embossed with Sikh religious symbols around his shoulders.

In a message uploaded on his Facebook account, he said, “If I have unknowingly hurt the sentiments of even one Sikh, I apologise.”

He, however, added: “Millions wear the revered symbols of Sikhism on their turbans, clothes and even carve tattoos with pride. I, too, as a humble Sikh, wore the shawl unintentionally.”

Soon after his objectionable pictures were circulated on social media, the Sikh Youth Power of Punjab, a religious body, had approached Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, seeking strict action against the politician. In the communiqué, its office-bearers claimed that the piece of cloth contained Sikh religious symbols such as “Ek Onkar” and “Khanda” that amounted to sacrilege.