Guru Granth Sahib 'swaroops' seizure in Qatar: BJP leader Grewal seeks Centre’s aid

Phagwara, August 26

BJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging an immediate diplomatic intervention to secure two ‘Swaroops’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which have been in the custody of Qatar authorities for eight months.

In his letter, Grewal expressed the anguish of the Sikh community in Qatar where the scripture was seized and treated like case property. Despite efforts by the Sikh ‘Sangat’ (community) in Qatar, no progress has been made towards the release of the scriptures, prompting him to call upon the government’s aid for urgent action.

“The Sikh community is in shock and anguish,” he wrote. Grewal urged Jaishankar to engage with the Qatar Government to facilitate the immediate release of the ‘Swaroops’ and to advocate for the establishment of gurdwaras there.

Grewal also requested the minister to ensure that the Indian Embassy there pursues the matter with the local authorities to make sure Sikh’s can practice their faith freely. He said the matter had sparked widespread concern among Sikh leaders and organisations globally, with many calling on the Indian Government to take decisive action to protect the sanctity of the Sikh scriptures.