Religion should be separated from politics: Punjab MPs

They condemned violent clash inside the Golden Temple during an event on the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar

Terming as unfortunate and shameful the violent clash inside the Golden Temple during an event on the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, Punjab MPs today strongly condemned the incident and said that religion should be separated from politics.

The clash broke out between SAD (Amritsar) activists and guards of Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) task force during an event on the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple premises in Amritsar today, leaving at least five persons injured.

"Today is very important day for us. But we are also sorry that today this incident happened. We condemn it. This should not have happened," Shiromani Akali Dal MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said outside Parliament.

Asked whether Akali Dal or SGPC members instigated the violence, Chandumajra said, "It will be known only after the inquiry. An inquiry will be held."

AAP MP Bhagawant Mann described the incident as "shameful and a black day" and sought religion to be separated from politics.

"It is a black day for whole Sikh community and humanity as well. It is shameful," Mann said.

Blaming Akalis for it, the Sangrur MP said, "Akali Dal has mixed religion with politics. Religion should be separated from politics."

Akali Dal Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral said, "It is very unfortunate. I also saw it on TV. This is the holiest place for the Sikhs. It is shameful, if such activities take place."

"But at the same time, I would say police cannot enter the shrine. It is the responsibility of the SGPC and Jathedars of Akal Takth...They have to maintain law and order and peaceful atmosphere," Gujral said.

When asked whether both Akali supporters and SGPC volunteers clashed inside the temple premises, Gujral said, "We

hope that that SGPC whose writ run inside the temple will bring the situation under control. It is very sad and these kinds of activities should not have taken place."

He further said, "FIR has to be filed by SGPC or Jathedars of Akal Takth. Akali Dal as a party has nothing to do with this."

About the allegation that Akali MPs are also involved in the incident, he said, "It is only an allegation. Let there be an inquiry and whoever will be found guilty action will be taken against him.