In a shocking incident early Wednesday morning, an attempt was made on life of Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief, at Golden Temple in Amritsar. attacker, identified as Narain Singh from Gurdaspur district, was apprehended on spot by quick-thinking bystanders. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Badal, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, escaped unscathed.
Incident: What Happened?
Sukhbir Singh Badal was seated near entrance of Golden Temple, performing penance as part of a ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) imposed by Akal Takht. Dressed in traditional sewadar uniform, he was engaged in his duties when assailant approached him.
- Shooter’s Actions:
- Visuals from scene depict Narain Singh drawing a firearm and firing a shot at Badal.
- bullet missed its target due to swift reaction of a bystander who overpowered Singh before he could cause harm.
- Immediate Response:
- Narain Singh was subdued and handed over to police.
- Investigations are underway to ascertain motive behind attack.
Badal’s Penance
62-year-old SAD chief has been serving a religious punishment for actions taken during his party’s tenure in Punjab between 2007 and 2017. As part of his ‘tankhah’, Badal has been performing sewadar duties, including:
- Washing dishes.
- Cleaning shoes at Golden Temple and other gurdwaras.
For past two days, he has been stationed at temple entrance, sitting in a wheelchair due to a leg injury, and carrying a spear in accordance with Sikh tradition.
Reactions and Condemnations
attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with political leaders and religious figures expressing concern over deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.
- Naresh Gujral, a former SAD MP, stated:
- “It is very unfortunate that this attack took place. We are thankful to Almighty that Sukhbir Badal was not harmed. Our party has been saying time and again that law and order situation in Punjab is deplorable. government has failed on this front, and nothing is being done.”
- SAD’s Official Response:
- party has called for a thorough investigation into incident, citing security lapses and rising concerns about targeted violence in Punjab.
Attacker’s Profile: Who Is Narain Singh?
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Narain Singh has a history of involvement in criminal and terrorist activities:
- Khalistani Links:
- Allegedly associated with Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa.
- Believed to have been involved in promoting extremist activities.
- Role in 2004 Burail Jailbreak:
- Singh is reportedly linked to infamous jailbreak, where several high-profile prisoners, including Babbar Khalsa chief Jagtar Singh Hawara, escaped after digging a 94-foot tunnel.
Police officials are investigating whether attack on Badal was part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by extremist groups.
Context of Badal’s ‘Tankhah’
attack comes three months after Akal Takht, highest temporal authority of Sikhs, declared Badal a ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct).
Key Issues Leading to Tankhah
- Controversial Pardon of Dera Chief:
- In 2007, during SAD’s tenure, party facilitated pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a blasphemy case.
- This move angered Sikh community, leading to widespread protests and resentment.
- Penitence Requirements:
- As part of his punishment, Badal has been ordered to perform sewadar duties and seek forgiveness for past mistakes.
incident underscores complex interplay of religious, political, and social factors in Punjab, particularly for leaders like Badal who hold both political and religious influence.
Law and Order in Punjab: Rising Concerns
This attack has reignited debates about state of law and order in Punjab. Critics have highlighted an increase in targeted violence, including:
- Resurgence of Extremism:
- Reports suggest that militant groups like Babbar Khalsa are attempting to regain a foothold in region.
- Security Lapses:
- fact that such an attack occurred at entrance of Golden Temple raises serious questions about security measures at religious sites.
- Political Unrest:
- Punjab has seen heightened political tensions in recent years, exacerbated by unresolved issues such as farmer protests, sacrilege cases, and drug-related crimes.
Police and Government Response
- Investigation Updates:
- police have launched a comprehensive investigation into attack, focusing on:
- attacker’s motives.
- Potential links to extremist groups.
- Lapses in security arrangements.
- police have launched a comprehensive investigation into attack, focusing on:
- Government Actions:
- Punjab government has promised swift action to address incident and prevent future security breaches.
Golden Temple’s Significance and Security Challenges
Golden Temple, a spiritual and cultural symbol of Sikhism, attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually. Its high-profile status also makes it a potential target for individuals seeking to disrupt communal harmony.
Security Challenges:
- Ensuring safety without compromising sanctity of religious site.
- Balancing open access for devotees with effective surveillance measures.
- Addressing external threats from extremist elements.
What’s Next?
attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal has highlighted urgent need for:
- Enhanced Security Protocols:
- Strengthening security at religious and public sites across Punjab.
- Targeted Counter-Terrorism Measures:
- Addressing resurgence of Khalistani extremism through coordinated efforts.
- Political Accountability:
- Ensuring leaders are protected while maintaining public trust in law enforcement agencies.
- Community Engagement:
- Promoting dialogue and reconciliation to address historical grievances within Punjab.
Conclusion
attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal’s life at Golden Temple underscores growing complexity of Punjab’s political and social landscape. While swift apprehension of attacker prevented a tragedy, incident raises critical questions about security, political stability, and resurgence of extremist elements in state.
As investigations unfold, need for collaborative efforts between government, law enforcement, and community becomes ever more apparent to ensure peace and safety in region.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and official statements. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details independently. views expressed do not necessarily reflect position of Pratidin Time or its affiliates.
