Qatar has handed over two seized copies of Guru Granth Sahib to Indian Embassy, says MEA
| 2024-08-28
Representative image.
MEA had taken up the issue with the Qatari authorities at the highest levels
In a significant diplomatic development, the government of Qatar has handed over two Saroops (copies) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the Indian Embassy in Doha.
These sacred scriptures, revered by Sikhs worldwide, were taken by Qatari authorities from an Indian national in a case of alleged operation of a religious establishment without the necessary governmental approvals. This event, which had stirred controversy and concern within the global Sikh community, particularly in India, has now reached a peaceful resolution.
"Qatar authorities have today handed over to our Embassy in Doha Sri Guru Granth Sahib (two Saroops) taken from an Indian national in a case related to running a religious establishment without approvals. We thank the Government of Qatar for the same," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday (August 28, 2024).
At the same time, the MEA urged Indian citizens in Qatar and other countries to follow local laws and regulations in all matters. "We also appeal to all Indian citizens residing in Qatar or other countries to scrupulously follow local laws and regulations in all matters," the MEA stated.
The controversy began when Qatari authorities confiscated two Saroops of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib from an Indian national allegedly involved in running a religious establishment without securing the required permissions from the Qatari government. In Qatar, like many other nations in the Middle East, strict regulations govern religious practices and establishments. Any violation of these laws can lead to severe repercussions, as evidenced in this case.
The seizure of these holy scriptures quickly became a sensitive issue, with the Sikh community in India and abroad expressing deep concern. The incident was seen not only as a legal matter but also as one that touched upon the religious sentiments of millions of Sikhs around the world. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a key religious organization managing Sikh places of worship, along with other prominent Sikh leaders, urged the Indian government to intervene and ensure the safe return of the scriptures.
The Indian government, through the MEA, promptly responded to the concerns raised by the Sikh community. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the issue had been taken up with the Qatari authorities at the highest levels. The Indian Embassy in Doha remained actively engaged in negotiations, keeping the Sikh community informed of all developments.
"We have seen reports regarding the Guru Granth Sahib seized by the Qatari authorities and the demand for their release by the Sikh community. The government has already taken up the matter with the Qatari side, and our Embassy has kept the Sikh community in Doha abreast of developments in this regard," stated Jaiswal on August 23, 2024.
The MEA expressed hope for an early resolution, which was finally realized when Qatar agreed to return the Saroops of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the Indian Embassy.
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