Hemkunt Sahib (KP) – Sikhs have always been dearly attached to their religious places—especially those of historical significance. Sri Hemkunt Sahib is one of those places that draws Sangat in large numbers throughout its open season. Sikhs from all over the world, especially from the United States, Canada and England visit Hemkunt Sahib in Jathas to seek the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
As the number of Sikh pilgrims is increasing incrementally at Sri Hemkunt Sahib, so is the ill-treatment that Sikhs get from the local residents of Uttarakhand. Local Sikhs belonging to the State have expressed concerns over the way Sikh pilgrims are treated by the shopkeepers and restaurant owners located on the main Hemkunt Sahib path. The recent news of the arrest of thirteen Singhs at Hemkunt Sahib has left everyone surprised while no one seems to have an answer to the increasing problems.
Baba Sukhdev Singh (Ber Kalaa), while speaking to the press about these problems, said that the thirteen Singhs were wrongfully arrested after they had a quarrel with local resident who were misbehaving. Whether or not these Singhs were released remains unknown to Baba Sukhdev Singh. According to the press statement by Baba Sukhdev Singh, similar incidents also took place recently in the areas of Chameli, Karanprayag, and Nandprayag. During these incidents, Sikh pilgrims were attacked by local residents who also injured many by throwing stones at them.
The state of Uttarakhand is greatly dependent on tariffs and spending by Sikh Sangat on their visit to Hemkunt Sahib. Sikh Sangat that arrives here spends huge sums of money without care and the local shopkeepers also gain by overcharging them for products and services. Considering the part that large numbers of visitors to Hemkunt Sahib plays in the development of the State, the local Government should also do its part in helping to ensure a safe environment for the visiting Sikhs.
