Jamshedpur Sikhs threaten protest in Bengal over comments against IPS officer

Jamshedpur: The controversy surrounding the derogatory labeling of IPS Sikh officer Sardar Jaspreet Singh as a ‘Khalistani’ in West Bengal has ignited a strong response from the Central Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (CGPC). Under the leadership of Sardar Shailendra Singh, the CGPC has issued a stern warning, demanding strict action against the perpetrators of this incident. If no action is taken promptly, the CGPC threatens to mobilize protests for justice in West Bengal.

In a significant move, the CGPC submitted a memorandum addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee via the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday. The memorandum, spearheaded by CGPC Chairman Sardar Shailendra Singh, condemns the prevention of IPS Sikh officer Sardar Jaspreet Singh from visiting Sandeshkhali by BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari. The incident involves Singh being labeled as ‘Khalistani,’ deemed highly condemnable and a violation of constitutional limits.

Expressing strong disapproval, Shailendra Singh emphasized that the incident not only shames the Sikh community but also tarnished the reputation of the bureaucracy in the entire country. The memorandum calls on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take immediate and stringent action against the culprits. It warns that if legal measures are not initiated against those responsible, representatives of Sikhs from all Gurdwara committees in Jharkhand and Jamshedpur will join the protest in Kolkata, alongside Sikhs residing in West Bengal.

The memorandum underscores that any untoward incident during the protest would be the responsibility of the West Bengal government. Shailendra Singh asserted that Sikhs are a patriotic community, exemplified by their significant contribution to the armed forces. He called upon the Prime Minister to expel leaders engaging in such acts from their political parties and take decisive legal action.

General Secretary Amarjeet Singh, part of the delegation submitting the memorandum, appealed to all youth irrespective of religion to stay vigilant against any orchestrated attempts to damage mutual brotherhood. The delegation included CGPC Chairman Sardar Shailendra Singh, General Secretary Amarjeet Singh, Treasurer Gurnam Singh Bedi, and other prominent members.

As tensions escalate over the incident, the CGPC’s firm stance signals the potential for widespread protests if corrective actions are not promptly taken by the West Bengal authorities.