Following his controversial remark over weapons, Punjab government withdraws Akal Takht Jathedar’s security

Following the remark from Akal Takht acting Jathedar asking Sikhs to keep a licensed weapon given the “uncertain times”, the Punjab government didn’t welcome the remark and decided to withdraw half of Giani Harpreet Singh’s security on Saturday.

Harpreet Singh’s security consisted of six personnel, including three from the Bathinda police, and three from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB). 

After He came to know about the cut in his security, Harpreet Singh said, “This morning, we came to know that three personnel of Bathinda police have been called back by their senior officers. We don’t need the rest of the personnel guarding us either. We have asked officials of Punjab Police to take back the IRB personnel also.”

The Jathedar added, “Khalsa Panth and the Sikh youths are there for our security. There is no need for government security.” 

Soon after the withdrawal of half of the security, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) came forward to provide him with the security. four SGPC employees were deployed to guard Giani Harpreet Singh.

Five days ago, the Akal Takht Jathedar had said “Every Sikh should try to keep licensed weapons, because the time that is coming, and the circumstances which are going to prevail, demand it. The Sikh youth should be skillful in gatka (Sikh martial art) and shooting.”