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Protests erupt against eviction of Pak's first Sikh police officer

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ANI Amritsar (Punjab) [India]
Last Updated : Jul 11 2018 | 7:15 PM IST

Sikhs in Amritsar on Wednesday protested against unlawful eviction of Pakistan's first-ever Sikh police officer Gulab Singh from his house in Dera Chahal, Lahore.

"If they (Pakistan) had to evict him they should have followed (the) protocol. Disrespecting his faith is wrong. If Pakistan does not want Sikhs, our government should get them here," the Sikhs protesting in Amritsar emphasised.

Gulab Singh has been manhandled and forcibly evicted out of his house along with his family allegedly by the officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

It is pertinent to mention that the ETPB is the parent body of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).

Gulab Singh accused the Pakistan government of forcefully trying to evict the Sikh community from the country.

In an interview to ANI, Singh said, "Since 1947 my family has been living in Pakistan. Even after the riots, we did not leave Pakistan. Now, we are being forced to leave. My house is sealed with all belongings including my slippers inside. Even this 'patka' on my head is an old rag which I just wrapped. I was harassed, beaten and my faith was disrespected."

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He further said, "In 1960, the board was made, which was completed in 1975. It made a contract with the SGPC saying that Sikhs in Pakistan will not be ill-treated. Despite this, we have been evicted. In the name of gurdwara, they have amassed crores of rupees and not a single penny was spent on us," he said.

Singh said, "I will file a case of contempt of court."

He further underscored that everyone should be aware of the atrocities committed on the Sikh community in Pakistan, and urged the SGPC and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to decide the future course of action.

In a video widely circulated on social media on Tuesday, Singh was seen crying foul over the behaviour being meted out to him and his family by the ETPB officials.

Singh also alleged that PSGPC president Tara Singh was the main culprit behind the incident.

"I am being treated the way goons are treated. I have been ousted from my house and they have now locked my house. The concerned officials have done this to please a few people. They have specifically targeted me. You must have noticed that there is no turban on my head. They unravelled my turban and opened my hair", Singh said.

Singh had reportedly levelled serious charges of corruption against PSGPC chief Tara Singh and a few ETPB officers in 2016.

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First Published: Jul 11 2018 | 7:15 PM IST

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