Akal Takht Urges Himachal Pradesh Government to Address Violent Clash Over Bhindranwale Flag

A violent clash occurred in Himachal Pradesh between local residents and Sikh Punjabi youth after a dispute over flags with the image of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale displayed on their vehicles.

Akal Takht’s Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has strongly condemned the incident and directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to raise the matter with the Himachal Pradesh government. He also issued an advisory to Sikh youth, urging them to ensure their vehicle documents are in order and avoid traveling alone to Himachal Pradesh.

Jathedar Gargaj expressed concern over the actions of local miscreants who raised objections to the flag and Bhindranwale’s image, especially in the presence of local police. He called the situation unjust and emphasized that there was no reason for such conflict.

A video from Kullu showed locals clashing with the Punjabi youth, and similar reports of violence surfaced from Kullu’s Manikaran Valley. Sant Bhindranwale is considered a martyr by the Akal Takht.

Jathedar Gargaj has called on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and direct the state police to maintain law and order. He also expressed worries about attempts to disrupt communal harmony and called for the safety of all communities in the region.