Kolkata, A Sikh police officer in West Bengal was subjected to derogatory remarks by BJP workers, highlighting the ongoing tensions fueled by divisive politics in India. The incident occurred in the Dhamakhali area, where the officer, identified as IPS Jaspreet Singh, was overseeing a security detail aimed at enforcing prohibitory orders against West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s visit to the Sandeshkhali region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the confrontation escalated when BJP activists labeled Singh a “Khalistani” as he and his team set up barricades to prevent Adhikari from entering Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district. The term “Khalistani” refers to advocates of a separate Sikh state, Khalistan, and is often used derogatorily in political discourse against Sikhs in India, particularly by those opposing Sikh activists or in attempts to discredit them.
A video shared by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the social media platform X captured Singh’s response to the accusations. In the video, Singh is heard addressing the BJP supporters, questioning the basis of their allegations and highlighting the inappropriateness of judging a police officer’s integrity based on religious attire. Banerjee, in her post, condemned the BJP’s tactics, accusing the party of exceeding constitutional boundaries and attacking the Sikh community’s dignity, which is known for its contributions and loyalty to the nation.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Congress party, which took to social media to decry the BJP’s behavior as reflective of a “degraded mentality.” The party emphasized the inappropriateness of targeting a law enforcement officer for his religious attire, underscoring the officer’s commitment to his duties irrespective of personal faith.
This episode underscores the broader issues of religious intolerance and political divisiveness in India, sparking a conversation about the need for respect and understanding across different communities. The West Bengal government, as stated by Chief Minister Banerjee, has vowed to uphold social harmony and take strict actions against any efforts to disturb it.