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The Sikh Council UK, condemns the deplorable action of Punjab Police personnel in removing the Dastar of a Sikh

Incident – Violation of Sikh Dastar

The Sikh Council UK, condemns the deplorable action of Punjab Police personnel in removing the Dastar of a Sikh gentleman who was practising his ‘right’ to protest in a democratic way near the PCA Stadium, Mohali on 28th March 2011.

This insensitive action has hurt the sentiments not only of the Sikhs across the world but all faith caring people.

Sikh Council UK welcomes the action taken by the Punjab Government in suspending the police officer involved and ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident. However, in support of Sikh organisations in Punjab, Sikh Council UK would expect the DIG of Punjab Police to issue a public statement expressing an apology to the Sikhs for the action of his officers.

The dismissal and an effective sentence/punishment of these Police officers will serve as a deterrent and send out a clear message to all, that; violation of civil and religious liberties will not be tolerated within the Punjab Police and carry a severe penalty.

In the spirit of joint action and working in partnership, the Sikh Council support’s the action taken by United Sikhs in filing a criminal complaint before the Mohali Judicial Magistrate against the Punjab Police. The Magistrate has ordered the Police to submit a report on the incident by 16th April 2011.

In a recent statement given by External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, "Whenever there is an insult to Sikhs, we take it as national insult. We take it up in that spirit." This was in relation to the removal of a Sikhs (golfer Jeev Milkha Singh's coach Amritinder Singh) turban at an Italian airport. The Sikh Council UK would now urge the Indian Government and the Minister, S.M Krishna, to follow up the statement with firm actions.

The Sikh Council would recommend that the Indian Government set up an independent inquiry into the civil rights abuse by the Punjab Police as the state Government has been shown to be totally ineffective in protecting the rights of its citizens. The guidelines issued to the Police or agents of the Government should be reviewed in order to ensure religious rights of the citizens are protected and any violation or digression will carry an automatic dismissal from the force as well as criminal / civil action.

On Behalf of Sikh Council UK

Parminder Singh

Contact Details: info@sikhcounciluk.org

07984 451 061