Dalit member of Sikh community allegedly harassed by members of Gurudwara committee in Guwahati

Guwahati, April 25, 2019:

A rather unfortunate incident has transpired in Guwahati as a long-serving volunteer of a local Gurudwara has allegedly been harassed by members of the Gurudwara Committee.

On Wednesday night President, some members and advisors of Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Fancy Bazar committee illegally broke into the house of one of the oldest sevadars (volunteer who offers his/her services to a Gurdwara free of charge) Ram Singh at Gopinath Gurudwara in Sarabbhati area of Guwahati and broke into his house in his absence and removed his belongings without serving him any notice in writing.

Speaking to InsideNE, the sevadar said: "I have been staying in the Gurudwara quarters for a long time...been serving for free, without salary. Used to wake up at 3 in the morning, offer prayers. I have been residing there when there was nothing but a large pond there. Today, after erecting a huge Gurudwara there, the new committee is resorting to thuggery. I have no idea why this is happening to me.."

Responding to queries as to why such atrocities are being committed against him, he said: "Some of our boys opposed the formation of the new committee, so maybe they are taking out that frustration on me", he said.

"They should have at least given me some time before asking me to vacate...all I want is justice", he laments.