Mohali-Senior Congress leader and former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has strongly condemned the incident involving the assault of Sikh youth S. Mohanjit Singh in Sheron village of Sangrur, including pulling his beard, disrespecting his unshorn hair (Kesh), and behaving disrespectfully with his Kakars. He said that this is not merely a case of harassment of one young man, but an incident that raises serious questions about Punjab’s religious sentiments and law and order.
Balbir Singh Sidhu said that targeting a young man who raised his voice against drugs is extremely unfortunate. If an ordinary youth raises his voice against the spread of drugs in his area and is himself subjected to police high-handedness, it is a matter of grave concern.
He said that disrespecting a person’s beard and Kesh, or behaving in any insulting manner towards the Kakars, cannot be tolerated. A police uniform gives personnel the responsibility to protect the law; it does not give anyone a license to harass or mistreat a citizen.
Sidhu warned the Punjab government not to attempt to put the matter on the back burner in the name of an investigation. He demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the entire incident and said that if any police personnel are found guilty, the strictest legal action should be taken against them without any political pressure.
Sidhu said that the manner in which students protesting in Delhi were allegedly subjected to assault under the supervision of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah is deeply concerning, and similarly, the assault and alleged disrespect shown to a Sikh youth in Punjab for raising his voice against drugs is also extremely disturbing. He said that as the Chief Minister and Home Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann has a duty to clearly state his position on the matter, ensure a fair investigation while taking responsibility for the incident, and ensure immediate strict legal action against the police officials found responsible.
Balbir Singh Sidhu said that the law in Punjab must be equal for everyone and no one can be allowed to act arbitrarily while hiding behind the uniform. The government must make it clear whether it stands with the victim or intends to protect the officials accused in the matter.
He said that the Congress party will raise its voice at every level to ensure justice for the victim. Our demand is absolutely clear—justice for the victim, immediate legal action against those responsible, and accountability for those who disrespected the Kakars.
He concluded by saying that if the Punjab government fails to take immediate and concrete action in this serious matter, the Congress party will not remain silent and will launch a strong struggle for the rights of Punjab, the dignity of its youth, and justice.