The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced its active engagement with the Qatari government concerning the recent seizure of copies of the Guru Granth Sahib. This development, reported on August 23, has raised concerns within the Sikh community.

“We are aware of the situation involving the seizure of the Guru Granth Sahib by Qatari authorities and the subsequent demand from the Sikh community for their release. Our government has addressed this issue with the Qatari officials, and our embassy in Doha is keeping the Sikh community informed about the progress,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The incident involved two copies of the Guru Granth Sahib being confiscated from individuals or groups accused of operating a religious establishment without the necessary approvals from the Qatari government. The MEA confirmed that the embassy provided all possible support within the framework of local laws.

“We are prioritizing this matter and are hopeful for a swift resolution,” Jaiswal added.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, former Union Cabinet Minister and current MP from Bathinda, has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address the issue. In her communication, Badal expressed that the Sikh community in Qatar is distressed by the situation, as the Guru Granth Sahib is revered as a living Guru. She has called for urgent intervention and requested that the minister facilitate the establishment of Gurdwaras in Qatar to allow Sikhs to practice their faith freely.

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