Bangla Sahib Gurdwara Closed For Visitors Over COVID Protocol Violation; Social Media Reacts
In an order dated September 16, SDM Chanakyapuri Geeta Grover said that Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) orders had been violated which state ¡°religious places shall be permitted to open but no visitors will be allowed¡±.
The sub divisional magistrate (SDM) of Chanakyapuri has issued an order to close down the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara for visitors with immediate effect alleging violation of Covid-19 protocols.
In an order dated September 16, SDM Chanakyapuri Geeta Grover said that Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) orders had been violated which state ¡°religious places shall be permitted to open but no visitors will be allowed¡±. Apart from being sent to the management of the Gurudwara, the order has also been marked to the SHO at Parliament Street.
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SDM's order
¡°The executive magistrate, sub division Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, has submitted a report that the management of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, BKS Marg, New Delhi, has allowed visitors/prayers inside the Gurdwara which is violation of¡ the order dated September 15, 2021 of DDMA Delhi,¡± Grover said in the order.
In her order, she added, ¡°Failing to comply the above order would attract strict penal action under relevant section of the law. Matter to be treated as urgent in light of Covid-19. Issued with the prior approval of the District Magistrate, New Delhi District.¡±
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Move in the wake of farmers' protest
The move comes on the heels of 'Black Friday March' organised by protesting farmers. On Friday, September 17, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal along with other leaders of the party were detained by the Delhi Police, as they led a protest march in the national capital to mark one year since the Union government passed the three farm laws.
When dictatorship is a fact, revolution is a duty! The arrogant Central Government can't impose the anti-farmer laws on farmers. The Akali Dal is proud to be the party of farmers, and we'll keep raising our voice against the black laws. #KhatirKisaniDatteAkali pic.twitter.com/ZPEMllTIj8
¡ª Shiromani Akali Dal (@Akali_Dal_) September 17, 2021
The protest march was taken out from Gurudwara Rakab Ganj to the parliament house. Badal told reporters that SAD members were lathicharged upon by police, Indian Express has reported. The party leaders also alleged that the Delhi Police tried to stop their protest march and prevented them from entering Gurdwara premises.
Twitter fumes over closure of the gurdwara
The decision, however, didn't go down well with the netizens. Many expressed their displeasure on Twitter asking how only one place in Delhi is being shut down in the name of COVID protocol.
When everything is wide open in Delhi, how an order can be passed for the closure of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, on the name of #COVID19 #coronavirus @ArvindKejriwal @CMODelhi @msisodia @mssirsa @ParamjitSSarna @ManjitGK @aajtak @DilliTak @htdelhi @TOIDelhi pic.twitter.com/uoH88JmN1v
¡ª B S Vohra (@vohrabs) September 18, 2021
Shocked to learn about Gurudwara Bangla Sahib being closed for Sangat (devotees) citing violation of #COVID19 norms. It is one the holiest Sikh site of worship in the national capital. It is the spiritual lifeblood of millions of Sikhs & other believers. Open soon, Waheguru ?? pic.twitter.com/21Av2sC4xB
¡ª Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) September 18, 2021
It is disheartening to see how of SDM Chanakyapuri has ordered for shut og Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. We all must come together to oppose this decision and strict action must be taken against the concerned authority. #gurudwarabanglasahib pic.twitter.com/dLNvrVMv4R
¡ª Avtar Singh Hit (@avtarsinghhit) September 18, 2021
Later, Manjinder Singh Khalsa, President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management committee called on the Delhi government to take strict action against the order.
Cheap action by SDM Chanakyapuri by passing this order to close Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib for Covid Violations!
¡ª Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) September 18, 2021
We condemn this sick mentality of Delhi Govt & demand @ArvindKejriwal Ji to take strictest action against concerned DC & SDM Geeta Grover@ANI @republic @thetribunechd https://t.co/I8CBN3HuQJ pic.twitter.com/VuMWCTLoSw
Many questioned Delhi Police's strategy to stop even worshippers from going inside the gurdwara.
In India's national capital, Turban wearing sikhs are being stopped from going towards bangla sahib Gurudwara, rest are allowed to freely move. If this is not discrimination then tell me what is this. If you want to stop akalis, then why are you stoping sikhs? #FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/P0oRHKRydK
¡ª ??????? ???? (???)? (@harman_saini28) September 18, 2021
Why are Delhi Police stop Sikh to go his Holy place(Gurudwara Bangla Sahib) at Delhi... pic.twitter.com/ie1QkzCDxo
¡ª Balvir Singh Chawla (@balvir_chawlaa) September 17, 2021
Farmers and opposition parties have been protesting the centre's farm laws since November last year. Multiple rounds of talks have been held by the centre, but the deadlock remains. The farmers say the three laws will rob them of guaranteed prices, affect the existing mandi system, and leave smaller and marginal agriculturists at the mercy of corporate interests.
Senior Writer at Indiatimes. She writes on Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, astrology and health.