During its general house meeting, the SGPC asserted that Shah's remarks reflect a deeply entrenched anti-Sikh mindset, which is unacceptable in a democratic society that values diversity and respect for all communities. The resolution emphasized that Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale is revered as a national martyr who sacrificed his life to safeguard the honor of Sikhism and preserve Sikh identity.
The controversy arose after Shah stated in Parliament that "some people in Punjab were trying to become Bhindranwale, and today they are sitting in an Assam jail reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib." This statement was perceived by the Sikh community as derogatory and dismissive of their religious sentiments.
In addition to condemning Shah's remarks, the SGPC criticized his alleged derisive comment on the recitation of Gurbani, the sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. The committee highlighted that Gurbani is an inseparable and sacrosanct aspect of Sikhism, and presenting it in a negative context amounts to disrespecting the very core of Sikh religious practice. The SGPC reminded the government that it is because of the divine Gurbani that the cultural heritage of the nation remains vibrant, and that the Sikh community has, through countless sacrifices, contributed significantly to the country's freedom.
The SGPC's resolution called upon the central government to show genuine respect for Sikh sentiments and refrain from making statements that further divide the nation. The committee also passed resolutions addressing other concerns, including the rising anti-Sikh sentiment in regions beyond Punjab. It demanded decisive action against those responsible for creating an atmosphere of hate and intolerance, citing incidents where Sikh pilgrims were targeted in Himachal Pradesh, with individuals forcibly removing religious symbols from their vehicles.
The SGPC advocated for the establishment of a visa office in Amritsar to facilitate Sikh pilgrims traveling to Pakistan, emphasizing the inconvenience faced by devotees visiting historical gurdwaras across the border. The committee also called for a reservation quota for Sikhs in the armed forces, acknowledging the community's historical contributions to national defense.
The SGPC's condemnation of Shah's remarks has sparked a broader conversation about the government's approach to addressing the concerns of minority communities in India. Many within the Sikh community view the Home Minister's statements as indicative of a broader pattern of insensitivity towards their religious and cultural sentiments.