Jalandhar – The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) strongly condemns the recent attack on a Sikh businessman in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, by a violent mob, as well as the vandalism of his showroom. Taking serious note of the incident, NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has formally written to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the state police, urging them to take swift and stringent action against the perpetrators.
Chahal emphasized that widely circulated footage of the attack, which occurred on Sunday, clearly shows a mob physically assaulting Sikh traders and pelting stones at their showrooms, leading to significant property damage. The mob also forcibly removed the Sikh victim’s turban—an act of sacrilege—and desecrated his Kes (unshorn hair), a grave violation of Sikh religious sentiments. Given the religious nature of the assault, Chahal has called on the authorities to include charges of hurting religious sentiments in the case against the attackers.
NAPA has reached out to the victim and assured him of full support. According to the businessman, a local Congress councilor has been harassing Sikh traders for some time and is allegedly behind this attack. In his letter to Chief Minister Dhami, Chahal has urged the Uttarakhand government to ensure a fair investigation, identify all culprits, and take immediate legal action.
Furthermore, NAPA calls upon governments at all levels to safeguard the rights and security of minority Sikhs across India. The association remains committed to advocating for justice and ensuring the protection of Sikh communities worldwide.