The recent theft and desecration of the Shivpuri Temple in Khanna have ignited a fervent call for enhanced security at religious sites across Punjab. Hindu leaders, voicing deep concerns over rising vandalism incidents, met with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday to express their gratitude for the swift resolution of the case and to advocate for stronger protective measures.
Punjab Police’s rapid response led to the arrest of the culprits involved in the temple desecration, a move that has been widely praised by the community. In a meeting held in Chandigarh, representatives from the Shivpuri Temple committee and various Hindu organizations commended Chief Minister Mann for his decisive action.
Deepak Bali, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab, highlighted the importance of the swift police work, noting that the incident had stirred emotions not only within the Hindu community but across all religious and communal groups in Punjab.
Bali lauded Chief Minister’s leadership, asserting that his intervention had reinforced public trust in the Punjab Government. AAP spokesperson Neel Garg echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the commendable nature of the Chief Minister’s response. Garg noted that the prompt resolution prevented the situation from escalating further, and he praised the local community, temple committee, and Hindu organizations for their patience and support during the crisis.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to secularism, underscoring that all religions — Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity — are treated equally under his administration. He assured that there would be zero tolerance for any form of communal hatred or violence in Punjab. This stance was reinforced by the Chief Minister's directive to the police to ensure that no culprits go unpunished.
Mahant Banshi Das, a prominent Hindu leader, expressed satisfaction with the Chief Minister’s approach, commending him for embodying the secular values he promotes. The Mahant also praised the Punjab Police for their effective work in capturing the accused from out-of-state locations — a move that has bolstered the morale of the Hindu community and reassured them about the safety of their religious sites.
The meeting also touched on broader security concerns, including the prevention of future incidents of vandalism and addressing recent violence against Hindu leaders in Punjab. Chief Minister Mann assured that maintaining law and order remains the government's top priority, and he vowed to prevent any disruptions to the communal harmony of the region.
In a broader context, Chief Minister Mann also addressed concerns related to the resurgence of terrorism linked to Khalistan, reassuring the public that the state’s commitment to maintaining Hindu-Sikh brotherhood remains unwavering. The government’s proactive stance in these matters reflects a broader effort to ensure peace and security for all communities in Punjab.
