Punjab Deputy CM urges Swaraj to take up sacrilege issue with U.S.

Condemning the alleged sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib in California, the United States, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday urged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up the issue with the U.S. Government to ensure that the culprits responsible of this ghastly act are brought to the book.

The Deputy CM also expressed his concern over attempts being made to disturb communal harmony through sacrilege incidents both in India and abroad, saying he would discuss the issue with Punjabi leaders of North America and share his apprehension.

He also urged Swaraj to ask the U.S. Government to take requisite security measures at various gurdwaras to avoid repetition of any such incident.

Appealing to the international Sikh community to maintain peace and harmony, Badal said, "We should not let anyone use us for their petty politics and should stand together as one to work for the betterment of the entire humanity."

The incident took place yesterday when pages of the Guru Granth Sahib were torn and thrown away by the miscreant.

"The incident took place last evening, when a notorious person torn the holy book into pieces. This has riled up the people of our community. We along with our community will take up this issue. And we expect that American authorities will find a solution to this and bring the culprits to the book. Moving on we also wish that police and local authorities lend us help in the matter," said American Gurudwar Committee coordinator Pritpal Singh.

Subsequent to the incident, California Mayor Carol Dutra arrived at the protest site and assured the protestors of penal action against the miscreants who have attempted to hurt their religious sentiments.

According to reports, police have registered a complaint in the matter.