India has addressed the issue concerning reports of the seizure of two holy ‘Swaroops’ of Guru Granth Sahib by the police in Doha, Qatar, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday.
MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government has acknowledged the reports regarding the seizure of Guru Granth Sahib by Qatari authorities and the Sikh community’s request for their release. The Indian government has already raised the issue with Qatar, and our Embassy in Doha has been keeping the Sikh community updated on the progress.
Jaiswal mentioned that Qatar authorities confiscated two ‘Swaroops’ of Guru Granth Sahib from individuals or groups accused of operating a religious establishment without the Qatari government’s approval.
The MEA spokesperson stated that the Indian Embassy in Qatar has extended all possible assistance in line with local laws and regulations
One ‘Swaroop’ of the Holy Book has been returned, and assurances were given that the other Swaroop is being treated with respect.
Jaiswal also noted that the MEA will continue to prioritize and follow up on the matter with Qatari authorities, hoping for a prompt resolution.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, MP from Bathinda, has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to negotiate with the Qatar government to allow Sikhs in the country to establish their own Gurdwaras and freely practice their religion.
“Appealed to Dr S Jaishankar to take up the issue of the release of two ‘swaroops’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji from police custody in Qatar. Informed him that the Sikh ‘sangat’ of Qatar was in shock and anguish that the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is regarded as the living Guru by the community, had been made a case property. While appealing to him to intervene in the matter urgently, also requested the minister to take up the issue of allowing Sikhs of Qatar to establish their own Gurdwaras so they could practice their religion freely,” tweeted Badal.
(With agency inputs)