New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said Qatari authorities had handed over two 'saroops' of Guru Granth Sahib to the Indian embassy in Doha, which were confiscated from an Indian national in connection with running an illegal religious establishment. India had earlier assured that the matter was being pursued with urgency for an early resolution.
The incident involved the confiscation of two 'saroops' of Guru Granth Sahib by Qatari authorities from individuals allegedly operating religious establishments without the local government's approval. "Qatar authorities have today handed over to our Embassy in Doha Sri Guru Granth Sahib (two Saroops) taken from an Indian national in a case related to running a religious establishment without approvals. We thank the Government of Qatar for the same," said the MEA on Wednesday (August 28).
The government also appealed to all Indian citizens residing in Qatar or other countries to scrupulously follow local laws and regulations in all matters. Earlier, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian authorities had already taken up the matter with Qatari officials and are seeking an early resolution.
"We have seen reports regarding the Guru Granth Sahib seized by the Qatari authorities and the demand for their release by the Sikh community," the MEA spokesperson said. "The government has already taken up the matter with the Qatari side, and our Embassy has kept the Sikh community in Doha informed of developments in this regard," he said on August 23.
"It is important to note that the two Saroops of Guru Granth sahib were taken by Qatar authorities from two individuals/groups who were charged for running a religious establishment without the approval of Government of Qatar. Our Embassy rendered all possible assistance with the ambit of local laws and regulations," he said.
While the MEA on August 23 confirmed that one 'saroop' of the holy book was returned, it assured that the other 'saroop' was being kept with respect. The confiscation of the 'saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib triggered outrage from the Sikh community in Qatar as well as India.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal had earlier appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene in the release of the two 'saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from police custody in Qatar. She highlighted that the Sikh community in Qatar is distressed over the situation, as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, regarded as the living Guru by the Sikh community, has been made a case property.
She also urged the minister to advocate for the rights of Sikhs in Qatar to establish their own gurdwaras to freely practice their religion. "Any act that disrespects and detains the holy scripture is considered a sacrilege. The situation has caused immense distress within the community," she added.
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