Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal had a close call when a former member of a Khalistani terrorist organization opened fire at him while he was performing religious duties at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday. The shooter, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was quickly apprehended by security personnel. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Sikh leaders, particularly those associated with the ongoing farmer protests in India.
Golden Temple Shooting: A Close Call for Shiromani Akali Dal President
On Wednesday, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped a shooting attempt while performing religious duties at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The incident sent shockwaves through the Sikh community and raised concerns about the safety of Sikh leaders.
Background:
The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion and holds immense significance for the Sikh community. It has been a target of violence in the past, including the infamous Operation Blue Star in 1984, which led to hundreds of Sikh deaths.
SAD is a political party that has traditionally represented the interests of the Sikh community in Punjab. It has been a vocal supporter of the ongoing farmer protests against India's agricultural reforms.
The Shooting Incident:
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attending a religious ceremony at the Golden Temple when the shooting occurred. The shooter, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was a former member of the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), a Sikh separatist organization.
Chaura fired multiple shots at Badal, but the former president was protected by his security personnel. The shooter was quickly apprehended and handed over to police.
Concerns and Consequences:
The shooting incident has raised concerns about the security of Sikh leaders, particularly those associated with the ongoing farmer protests. The attack has been condemned by political and religious leaders across India.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the resurgence of Sikh separatism and the challenges faced by the Sikh community in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star.
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