Sikh leaders in west demand strict action against dera
Washington:
Sikh leaders in the United States have expressed deep anguish over the actions of Dera Sacha Sauda leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and appealed him to tender an apology.
"The actions of Ram Rahim of Dera Sacha Sauda are certainly offensive. It is easy to understand why Sikhs are upset and reacting in this manner," commented, Dr. Rajwant Singh, National Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE).
SCORE is a Washington DC based think tank working for the betterment of the Sikh community and has close relations with the White House and the U.S. Congress.
Singh went on to say that, "Sikhs were provoked by Ram Rahim who tried to imitate the Guru of Sikhs. His dressing up like the tenth Guru is very outrageous. The naming of his centre as Dera 'Sacha Sauda' is in itself a mockery as Sacha Sauda refers to a legendary event in Guru Nanak's life.
"Ram Rahim Singh should concede to appeal of various religious and political leaders and apologize for hurting the sentiments of Sikh. I hope the religious and political leadership can find a resolution to this conflict and mitigate the situation. Every one has freedom of religion but no one has right to mock any one," added Singh.
Canadian Sikhs have expressed concern over what they describe the disrespect shown by the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda to Sikh maryada.
In a letter written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the Sikh Professionals Association of Canada has sought legal action against the dera head for hurting the Sikh sentiments all over the world and playing havoc with the peace in Punjab.
"The Central government must act decisively and immediately to restore peace and allay the fears of Sikh masses caused due to the provocation by the dera chief."
No comments:
Post a Comment