A significant controversy has arisen in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali following reports of tourists from Punjab riding motorcycles while displaying a flag featuring Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s image.
A local resident, Subhash, lodged a police complaint on March 14 after witnessing two men from Punjab with the controversial flag. Upon asking the bikers to remove it, he was reportedly threatened. Residents intervened, ultimately removing the flag from the bikers’ vehicle.
In response, the Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, condemned the actions of individuals who defaced Sikh flags and disrespected Bhindranwale’s image, labeling such conduct as intolerable.
The Jathedar emphasized that law enforcement should uphold respect for Sikh identities while conducting vehicle checks, insisting that no individual has the right to harm Sikh community members or damage their symbols.
Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police KD Sharma confirmed that legal action was initiated against the bikers under the Motor Vehicles Act, with a case registered following Subhash’s complaint.
In unrelated events, additional disturbances involving tourists from Punjab were reported in Manikaran and Kasol. A confrontation took place at a village resort in Manikaran between bikers and the resort owner, escalating when the owner requested the removal of an inappropriate flag. The bikers allegedly retaliated with threats and violence against the resort staff.
Additionally, in Kasol, a group of about 20 Punjab tourists caused a disruption at the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) barrier by refusing to pay the maintenance fee, ultimately damaging the barrier before advancing to Manikaran. Police confirmed that a case had been filed in connection with this incident.
ACTING JATHEDAR CALLS FOR ACTION IN HIMACHAL INCIDENTS
The Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has formally urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to address these troubling incidents and ensure that state policing maintains public order.
He expressed concern over individuals attempting to undermine communal harmony between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and called on the government to take swift action against anti-social elements. “These events portray an image of police ineffectiveness in managing local unrest,” he asserted.
The Acting Jathedar also urged Sikhs to ensure their vehicle documents are in order and to avoid traveling alone. He stressed the necessity for government measures to protect individuals of all faiths and to prevent hatred against any community from being publicly displayed.
He criticized the police administration for failing to fulfill their duties, suggesting it has contributed to a hostile environment for Sikhs. The Jathedar directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to engage with the Himachal Pradesh government on this pressing matter.
