Amritsar(Sandeep Chahal): In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 11, 2026, the former IPS officer and sitting MLA wrote in Hindi: “अमृतसर के श्री दुर्गियाना तीर्थ का राजनीतिकरण ना किया जाय” (“Do not politicise Amritsar’s Shri Durgiana Tirth”). He accompanied the message with a photo and a link to a related Facebook video.
The statement comes amid ongoing sensitivity around the historic Hindu temple (also known as Durgiana Mandir), a major religious site in Amritsar often compared in architectural style to the nearby Golden Temple. In recent weeks and months, the temple complex has seen repeated controversies over devotees or visitors making dance reels and videos set to Hindi or Punjabi songs inside or around the premises. Groups including Kali Sena, led by figures such as Swami Ashneel Maharaj, have strongly objected, arguing that such activities violate the sanctity and decorum of the religious site, especially during the holy month of Sawan. They have questioned temple management and security, issued ultimatums for stricter enforcement against filming, and called for action to protect religious sentiments.
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, a 1998-batch Punjab cadre IPS officer who resigned and joined the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections (winning Amritsar North), has a long association with Amritsar. He previously served in key police roles in the city and was part of the SIT probing the 2015 sacrilege and related police firing cases. He was suspended by AAP for five years in June 2025 over alleged anti-party activities and public criticism of the state government, but continues to hold his MLA seat.
His latest appeal emphasizes keeping the prominent pilgrimage site free from political interference or exploitation, at a time when religious places in Punjab occasionally become flashpoints in broader political and social debates. No immediate detailed elaboration beyond the short statement and linked video was widely reported in connection with the post.