India In Touch With Qatar Over Seized Copies Of Guru Granth Sahib, MEA Says 'One Swaroop Of Holy Book Returned'

The Indian government has expressed concerns to Qatari authorities over the seizure of Guru Granth Sahib copies. The External Affairs Ministry is working for their respectful return.

The Indian government on Friday said it has raised concerns with Doha over the seizure of Guru Granth Sahib copies by Qatari authorities. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is working to ensure their respectful return.

"We have seen reports regarding the Guru Granth Sahib seized by the Qatari authorities and the demand of their release by the Sikh community. Government has already taken up the matter with the Qatar side and our Embassy has kept the Sikh community in Doha abreast of developments in this regard," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

The remarks came in response to media queries regarding the seizure of Guru Granth Sahib in the Gulf country.

The Ministry noted that two 'Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib' were taken by Qatar authorities from two individuals/groups who were charged with running religious establishments without the approval of the Government of Qatar. 

"Our Embassy rendered all possible assistance within the ambit of local laws and regulations," Jaiswal said.

As per the statement, one Swaroop of the Holy Book was returned by Qatari authorities and it was assured that the other Swaroop is also kept with respect. "We continue to follow up the matter with Qatar authorities with high priority and hope for early resolution," the official added.

Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has requested the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian Ambassador to Qatar to immediately intervene in this matter. SGPC President said in a post on X, "keeping the holy scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib confiscated at the police station is a big disrespect, which cannot be tolerated. This matter was recently brought to the attention of the Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib by United Kingdom-based Sikh organization Bhai Kanhaiya Humanitarian Aid, who directed SGPC to pursue this matter."

Bathinda MP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal also wrote to the External Affairs Minister, appealing to take up the issue of allowing Sikhs of Qatar to establish their own Gurdwaras so they could practice their religion freely.