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On Thursday, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose responded to the controversy surrounding a Sikh IPS officer reportedly labelled as “Khalistani” by certain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists in Dhamakhali. He emphasized the importance of refraining from actions that could potentially offend the sentiments of the Punjabi community.
Governor Bose also reassured the Punjabi community residing in Bengal of his support and assistance.
In a letter to the Sikh delegation, the governor conveyed that in the land revered by Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore, where his homage to the Nation starts with Punjab, ‘Punjaba, Sindhu, Gujarata, Maratha…, it’s imperative to avoid anything that might inadvertently hurt the sentiments of Punjabi brethren.
The letter conveyed that the turban worn by a Punjabi signifies a distinct sense of dignity and holds utmost sanctity. It expressed reverence towards Guru Nanak Dev as a cherished emblem of Indian religious and cultural values. It also conveyed assurance to the Punjabi community that Bengal, India, society, and culture stand in solidarity with them.
He additionally declared his intention to designate Punjabi Bagh within its estate as a gesture of homage and representation of Bengal’s enduring admiration for the Punjabi community.
He further stated that Raj Bhavan would establish a Punjabi Bagh within its estate as a gesture of tribute and symbolizing Bengal’s enduring admiration for the Punjabi community. Furthermore, it was announced that the portrait of the legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh would be unveiled in Raj Bhavan, Kolkata on 23.03.2024, commemorating the day of his martyrdom.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her support for the official, stating that the official was simply fulfilling his duty and should not have been labelled a ‘Khalistani’ merely for wearing a turban.
She questioned what fault the officer had committed while carrying out his duties. She also mentioned the presence of Sikh regiments within the force and emphasized respect for all religions. She pondered how an officer wearing a turban could be labelled as Khalistani and pointed out that Muslim officers are serving in IAS, IPS, and WBCS, questioning how they could be labelled as Pakistani based solely on their religion. Additionally, she noted that she had been subjected to various taunts and names but had never responded to them.
A Sikh police official, deployed at Dhamakhali to deter BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting Sandeshkhali, reportedly faced confrontation from protesting BJP workers. They allegedly referred to the official as ‘Khalistani’.
