The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body managing Sikh religious affairs, has strongly denounced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments in Parliament referring to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. During its budget session in Amritsar, the SGPC passed a resolution condemning Shah’s statements as anti-Sikh and insulting to India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The controversy stemmed from Amit Shah’s remarks in the Lok Sabha, where he said, “Some people in Punjab were trying to become Bhindranwale, and today they are sitting in an Assam jail reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib.” The SGPC criticised the tone of Shah's comment, particularly the alleged sarcasm in referencing the recitation of Gurbani by those in custody. The committee emphasized that reading the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a core religious practice in Sikhism and should be respected rather than mocked. Reaffirming its position, the SGPC described Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as a national martyr who laid down his life for the dignity and identity of the Sikh faith. The resolution stated that Shah’s words displayed insensitivity toward Sikh sentiments and a lack of understanding of Sikh religious traditions and historical context.
 

Resolutions Focus on Sikh Rights, Religious Freedoms, and Community Welfare

Alongside the condemnation of Shah’s remarks, the SGPC passed ten additional resolutions addressing critical issues facing the Sikh community. One of the key demands was the establishment of a visa office in Amritsar to ease travel for Sikh pilgrims visiting historical gurdwaras in Pakistan. The committee noted that devotees often face logistical and administrative hurdles due to the absence of a local visa facility. Another significant resolution called for a reservation quota for Sikhs in the Indian armed forces. The SGPC cited the community's long-standing role in national defense and said that formal recognition through reservation would honor that legacy and promote inclusivity in defense services. The committee also responded to recent legal developments, welcoming the court verdict sentencing former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a case related to the 1984 Sikh genocide. However, the SGPC reiterated its demand for justice in all pending cases related to the violence, urging the government to expedite legal processes and punish the guilty.
 

In a related resolution, the SGPC demanded the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their legal sentences but continue to be held in custody. Describing their continued detention as unjust and politically motivated, the committee called for immediate legal intervention to secure their freedom. Rising incidents of hostility toward Sikhs outside Punjab, particularly in states like Himachal Pradesh, were also addressed. The SGPC urged central and state governments to take strict action against those responsible for communal provocations and ensure the safety and dignity of Sikh citizens across India. The committee further demanded reforms in the appointment and retirement rules of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism. According to the SGPC, clarity and regulation in this matter are essential to uphold the sanctity and stability of Sikh leadership structures.
 

Another prominent demand was the establishment of a national memorial to honor the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru known for his sacrifice in defending religious freedom. The SGPC urged the Government of India to treat this occasion with national reverence and allocate resources for a dedicated memorial. The ongoing farmers’ protests also found a place in the SGPC’s resolutions. The committee condemned the government’s handling of the agitation, particularly the registration of false cases against farmer leaders. It called for the immediate withdrawal of all charges and the implementation of farmer-friendly policies to address core demands. The SGPC concluded its session with a resolute message: it remains committed to protecting Sikh interests, preserving religious values, and seeking justice for all forms of historical and ongoing Sikh victimisation. The resolutions are expected to increase pressure on the central government to respond sensitively to Sikh concerns, especially in the lead-up to significant religious and political events.