Punjab BJP Leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has written to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of two 'Swaroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which have been in the custody of Qatar authorities for the past eight months.
In his letter, Grewal expressed the deep anguish of the Sikh community in Qatar, where the holy scriptures—revered by Sikhs worldwide as the living Guru—were reportedly seized and treated as case property.He highlighted the growing distress and outrage among the Sikh diaspora over this perceived violation of their religious rights.
Grewal emphasized the significance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the Sikh faith, stating that any act of disrespect or detention is considered sacrilege.Despite persistent efforts by the Sikh 'Sangat' (community) in Qatar, no progress has been made toward the release of the scriptures, prompting him to call for urgent action.
"The Sikh community is in shock and anguish," He wrote, stressing that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must be treated with the utmost respect.Grewal urged Dr. Jaishankar to engage with the Qatar government to facilitate the immediate release of the 'Swaroops' and to advocate for the establishment of gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in Qatar, similar to those permitted for Christians and in neighbouring Islamic countries like the UAE.
In addition to calling for swift diplomatic efforts, Grewal requested that the Indian Embassy in Qatar actively pursue the matter with local authorities, ensuring that the Sikh community's rights to practice their faith freely are upheld. He said the issue has sparked widespread concern among Sikh leaders and organizations globally, with many calling on the Indian government to take decisive action to protect the sanctity of the Sikh scriptures and safeguard the religious freedoms of Sikhs in Qatar