Paunta Sahib, Himachal Pardesh (November 29, 2012): According to certain media reports Uttrakhand police has released Panthic Sewa Lehar patron Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal, All India Sikh Conference (AISF) president Gurcharan Singh Babbar and other Sikh devotees who were taken into custody on November 28, 2012.
According to Charhdikala Time TV news report around 700 members of Sikh Jatha were released on the intervening night of 28 and 29 November.
Sikhs arrested at Uttrakhand border on November 28, 2012
It is notable that Uttrakhand police had arrested the Sikhs Jatha heading towards Haridwar to observe Parkash Gurpurb of Guru Nanak Sahib.
Bhai Gurcharan Singh Babar told media reporters that entry of Sikhs was banned in Uttrakhand by the government.
“A Sikh residing in Uttrakhand is barred from entering Haridwar and Sikhs residing in Haridwar are barred from visiting Har Ki Pauri” he added.
Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal, Bhai Gurcharan Singh Babbar and others arrested by Uttrakhand Police
Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal said the ban imposed by Uttrakhand government was a reminder that Sikhs were treated as slaves in India.
It is a historic fact that Guru Nanak Sahib had held a dialogue with Hindu Pandits at Haridwar and a Sikh Gurudwara Sahib named Gian Godri Sahib was established near Har Ki Pauri at Haridwar in the memory of visit of Guru Nanak Sahib. This Gurudwara was demolished during November 1984 Sikh genocide.
Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal and Bhai Gurcharan Singh Babbar are campaigning to secure the rebuilt of Gurudwara Gian Godri Shaib.