A local mob allegedly barged into Sukkur Gurdwara in Pakistan’s Sindh province on Thursday evening and ordered ragis (Sikh musicians) to cease kirtan, besides disrespecting the Guru Granth Sahib. The episode of religious intolerance came three days after a Sikh youth was murdered in Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In a viral video, local Sikhs and Hindus were seen gathering at a police station, claiming that despite the culprits being detained, no charges had been filed against them. Ragi of the said gurdwara, Ajay Singh, who was interrupted during kirtan, recounted how chaos ensued as the loudspeaker was abruptly switched off. Highlighting the historical significance of the gurdwara where prayers have been offered for over a century, Ajay said such interference was unprecedented.
Jaipal Chhabaria, a member of Pakistan’s National Commission for Minorities, said the incident took place around 9pm. Jaipal added that the police initially detained three individuals but later released them without filing any charges. He said the NCM had appealed to the police to take prompt action and restore a sense of safety.