SGPC calls for tougher laws against sacrilege

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has called for tougher laws against sacrilege in the wake of the alleged desecration of a holy book in Faridkot district that sparked violence in many parts of Punjab.
SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar appealed to the Sikh community to maintain peace and the administration to immediately arrest those involved in the incident.
"The culprits deserve a stern punishment...The laws against sacrilege needed to be made tougher. The Union government should consider revising these accordingly," he said.
Condemning the incident, he said, "Whosoever has done it has done a criminal act. Sikhs are deeply hurt...At this hour, all of us should help the administration bring the culprits to book and maintain peace and brotherhood."

Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh also appealed to the community to maintain peace, asking them not to be misled by rumours.
Meanwhile, the SGPC has also directed managers of all its gurdwaras to remain alert to prevent such incidents.
Commercial and educational establishments were today shut and transport services disrupted in parts of Punjab in response to a bandh called by Sikh outfits against the killing of two youths and police action during protests over alleged desecration of their holy book.