The Sikhs consider Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a living guru.
New Delhi: The government, on Friday, said it has addressed the issue of the seizure of two swaroops (copies) of the Guru Granth Sahib by Qatari authorities. The incident had sparked significant concern within the Sikh community, both in Qatar and globally.
Responding to media queries on Friday, India’s foreign ministry said it has been actively engaging with Qatari officials to resolve the matter.
The spokesman for the foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “We have taken up the issue with the Qatari side and are keeping the Sikh community in Doha informed of all developments. One of the swaroop has already been returned, and we have received assurances that the other is being treated with respect.”
“We continue to follow up the matter with Qatar authorities with high priority and hope for early resolution,” Jaiswal added.
Our response to media queries regarding Guru Granth Sahib in Qatar:https://t.co/IMbwwSv1cI pic.twitter.com/0U9yQRlAo8
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 23, 2024
The issue arose when Qatari authorities confiscated the sacred texts from individuals accused of operating “unauthorized” religious establishments. The Sikhs regard Guru Granth Sahib as a living guru, which holds immense spiritual significance for them. The confiscation led to widespread distress among the Sikh community, especially in Qatar, who have been practising their faith in the predominantly Muslim emirate for decades.
Former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has also been vocal about the issue. She had urged the foreign minister, S Jaishankar, to expedite the release of the remaining swaroop of the Guru Granth Sahib and to facilitate the establishment of gurdwaras in Qatar. She highlighted the shock and anguish felt by the Sikh sangat (community) in Qatar and emphasized the need for Sikhs to practise their religion freely, similar to arrangements in other Islamic countries, like the United Arab Emirates.
