Retired Colonel Harsimran Singh, Gurudwara Management Committee’s President, was attacked by Khalistanis after he removed Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s portrait from Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh Gurudwara. The incident occurred in Pahuwind Village of Punjab’s Tarn Taran District on the occasion of Sikh warrior Baba Deep Singh’s birth anniversary.

The incident video went viral on social media, where Col. Harsimran is seen asking a group of Khalistanis to remove Bhindranwale’s portrait from the Gurudwara premises. When he objects, the group refuses to remove the Khalistani terrorist’s portrait calling him a ‘saint.’ However, the undaunted colonel removed the poster even as the Khalistanis continued sloganeering. He told them he would not let them put up his poster.

Following the viral video of the incident, leaders of Sikh organizations, led by Harpal Singh Bler of Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar, swiftly headed to the gurdwara. “We demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the president for allegedly offending Sikh sentiments,” he stated.

As tensions rose, the police escorted Col Harsimran Singh away from the scene. Amid this intervention, a group of Khalistanis armed with sticks and swords damaged his vehicle. Nonetheless, the police successfully relocated him to a secure location.

Col. Harsimran Singh defended the incident, citing objections to the display of Bhindranwale’s portrait near the area designated for devotees’ shoes and the unauthorized tent set up by Sikh volunteers without the gurdwara management’s permission.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Preet Inder Singh reported, “While the police were securing the president, some individuals attacked the vehicle, resulting in injuries on both sides, including an inspector-rank official. Ongoing discussions between the involved parties are aimed at resolving the dispute.”

It’s important to note that the gurdwara operates independently and is not under the control of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The incident has raised concerns within the Sikh community, and efforts are being made to defuse the situation through dialogue.

Retired Colonel Harsimran Singh served in the Indian Army for 31 years and authored a book on Sikh warrior Baba Deep Singh titled “Deep Singh Shaheed – The Man in the Legend,” published in 2022. Col Singh retired from the Army in 2011.