Nihangs, a distinct sect of Sikhs, staged a road blockade in Mansa, Punjab, on Saturday, three days after the alleged suicide of a former gurdwara priest. The protest was initiated over a sacrilege incident that occurred approximately two years ago in Birewala Jattan village.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the protesters demanded the immediate arrest of all individuals implicated in the sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib at Birewala Jattan village. They also appealed to the authorities to refrain from taking any punitive action against the current granthi, who had reportedly informed the gurdwara management committee and the police about the matter about a fortnight prior to the former granthi’s death.
The road blockade was staged at Tinkoni Chowk in Mansa town. A significant police presence was deployed to manage the situation and maintain law and order. The Nihangs described their action as a symbolic protest and issued a warning that the agitation would be escalated if their demands were not met.
Protesters expressed considerable discontent with the gurdwara management committee, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the local police. They alleged a lack of timely action despite the issue being brought to their attention, suggesting that the delay and the mental duress experienced by the former granthi ultimately contributed to his demise.
The deceased has been identified as Balwinder Singh, 60, a resident of Khokhar Kalan village, who had previously served as a granthi at a gurdwara in Birewala Jattan village. His son, Shagandeep Singh, lodged a complaint with the police detailing his father’s distress. According to the complaint, Balwinder Singh had brought to the committee’s attention alleged objectionable remarks written on page 70 of the Guru Granth Sahib, along with an attempted alteration using correction fluid during his tenure. Shagandeep Singh further alleged that his father died by suicide on Wednesday, reportedly by consuming a poisonous substance, following persistent mental harassment concerning the sacrilege issue.
In response to the allegations and the former granthi’s death, the Mansa police have registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to abetment of suicide. Mewa Singh, the treasurer of the village gurdwara management committee, has been arrested in connection with the case.
The reported sacrilege incident had already heightened tensions in the village. On July 15, residents and Nihangs had gathered at the gurdwara to demand stringent action against those responsible for the alleged desecration.
The Punjab government has been grappling with issues related to religious sentiments and law and order in the state. This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Guru Granth Sahib and the prompt actions expected from religious bodies and law enforcement agencies in such matters.
The SGPC, a prominent Sikh religious organization responsible for managing Sikh gurdwaras and religious affairs, has faced scrutiny in the past over its handling of similar incidents. Its role in investigating and addressing sacrilege allegations is crucial for maintaining peace and trust within the Sikh community.
The legal proceedings initiated by the police are expected to shed light on the sequence of events leading to the sacrilege and the subsequent suicide. The investigation will aim to identify all perpetrators and ascertain the extent of responsibility of the management committee members and other individuals involved.
The protest in Mansa underscores the deep concern among certain sections of the Sikh community regarding the sanctity of their religious scriptures and the perceived inadequacy of the response from authorities in previous cases. The outcome of the current investigation and the subsequent legal actions will be closely watched by the community and beyond.
The Chenab Times News Desk