The Indian government has addressed concerns regarding the seizure of two swaroops of the Guru Granth Sahib by Qatari authorities. Ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the Indian government is actively pursuing the matter with Qatar and keeping the Sikh community in Doha informed of developments.
“We have seen reports regarding the Guru Granth Sahib seized by the Qatari authorities and the demand of their release by the Sikh community,” the MEA statement said.
“It is important to note that two Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib were taken by Qatar authorities from two individuals/groups who were charged for running religious establishment without approval of Government of Qatar,” the statement added.
The situation arose when two ‘swaroops’ of the Guru Granth Sahib were confiscated by Qatari authorities from individuals accused of running an unauthorized religious establishment. The Indian Embassy in Qatar provided assistance in accordance with local laws. One of the ‘swaroops’ has been returned, and Qatari officials assured that the other ‘swaroops’ is being treated with respect. The Indian government continues to prioritise the issue, seeking a swift resolution.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal had earlier appealed to external affairs minister S. Jaishankar to expedite the release of the holy books. In her letter, Badal highlighted that the Sikh community in Qatar has been distressed over the seizure, which occurred around eight months ago. She noted that the Guru Granth Sahib had been in use for religious practices in Doha for nearly 35 years.
Badal also called for the establishment of gurdwaras in Qatar, pointing out that Sikhs should be allowed to practice their faith freely, similar to the arrangements in other Islamic countries like the UAE. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar has also urged the Indian government to take immediate action in securing the release of the Swaroops and addressing the broader issue of religious freedom for Sikhs in Qatar.
“We have seen reports regarding the Guru Granth Sahib seized by the Qatari authorities and the demand of their release by the Sikh community,” the MEA statement said.
“It is important to note that two Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib were taken by Qatar authorities from two individuals/groups who were charged for running religious establishment without approval of Government of Qatar,” the statement added.
The situation arose when two ‘swaroops’ of the Guru Granth Sahib were confiscated by Qatari authorities from individuals accused of running an unauthorized religious establishment. The Indian Embassy in Qatar provided assistance in accordance with local laws. One of the ‘swaroops’ has been returned, and Qatari officials assured that the other ‘swaroops’ is being treated with respect. The Indian government continues to prioritise the issue, seeking a swift resolution.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal had earlier appealed to external affairs minister S. Jaishankar to expedite the release of the holy books. In her letter, Badal highlighted that the Sikh community in Qatar has been distressed over the seizure, which occurred around eight months ago. She noted that the Guru Granth Sahib had been in use for religious practices in Doha for nearly 35 years.
Badal also called for the establishment of gurdwaras in Qatar, pointing out that Sikhs should be allowed to practice their faith freely, similar to the arrangements in other Islamic countries like the UAE. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar has also urged the Indian government to take immediate action in securing the release of the Swaroops and addressing the broader issue of religious freedom for Sikhs in Qatar.