The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has shown its unwavering support for the wrestlers who are currently protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. These athletes have taken to the streets since April 23, demanding justice for the alleged sexual harassment of seven female wrestlers, including a minor, by the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The president of SGPC, Harjinder Singh Dhami, emphasized the gravity of the situation and urged the government to address the issue seriously. He stressed the need for justice for these athletes, who are fighting not only for their rights but also for the honor and dignity of girls. Dhami stated that the Sikh community stands firmly behind these courageous sportswomen, representing the rich history, customs, and traditions of Sikhism. A delegation from the SGPC will soon visit Delhi to express their support and solidarity with the protesting athletes.
In addition to supporting the wrestlers, the SGPC executive committee made several significant decisions during their meeting. They expressed their determination to take strict legal action against individuals and social media accounts that spread anti-Sikh narratives and hate speech. Numerous complaints have already been filed by the SGPC, and they are prepared to present the evidence to the Indian government. If necessary action is not taken, the matter will be escalated to the court. This strong stance against hate speech demonstrates the SGPC’s commitment to protecting the Sikh community from derogatory and harmful narratives.
Dhami also voiced concerns about incidents of sacrilege and violations of religious conduct in Gurdwara Sahibs in Punjab. He criticized the Punjab government for not taking these matters seriously and called for the enactment of strict laws and timely punishment for those who hurt religious sentiments. The SGPC executive committee decided to raise these concerns with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aiming to safeguard the sanctity of Gurdwaras and ensure respect for religious practices.
The SGPC further established committees to address ongoing issues related to Gurdwara Guru Dongmar Sahib in Sikkim and Gurdwara Tapasthan Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. These committees will engage in discussions with the respective governments and will have the privilege of meeting with the Dalai Lama due to the involvement of Buddhist communities in these cases.
Moreover, in response to the demand for the release of Sikh prisoners, the SGPC has collected approximately 26 lakh forms, which will be sent to the President of India through the Governor of Punjab. They have requested a meeting with the President to discuss the concerns and issues affecting the Sikh community. To ensure security, measures have been taken near Sri Darbar Sahib, and other necessary arrangements are being made.
Finally, the SGPC executive committee passed a condolence resolution, paying tribute to the late patron of Shiromani Akali Dal and former chief, Parkash Singh Badal.
The SGPC’s resolute support for the protesting wrestlers and their strong stance against hate speech reflect their commitment to justice and safeguarding the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. By standing in solidarity with the athletes, the SGPC sends a powerful message that it will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. As the Sikh community unites behind these critical issues, their collective voice serves as a beacon of hope, urging for a fair and inclusive society.