Qatar Returns Seized Guru Granth Sahib Copies to Indian Embassy

Two copies of Guru Granth Sahib, seized by Qatari authorities for unauthorized religious activities, were handed over to the Indian Embassy in Doha. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed gratitude to Qatar and urged Indians in the Gulf to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Two copies of the Guru Granth Sahib, seized by Qatari authorities for operating a religious establishment without proper approvals, were returned to the Indian Embassy in Doha on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA's spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, praised the Qatari government for their cooperation and called on Indians in the Gulf region to observe local laws strictly.

Taking to social media platform X, Jaiswal announced, '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.' He further emphasized the necessity for Indian citizens in Qatar or other countries to meticulously follow local laws and regulations in all matters.

On August 23, Jaiswal had indicated that the two copies of the Guru Granth Sahib were confiscated from individuals/groups accused of operating a religious establishment without Qatari government approval. Addressing media queries on the matter, Jaiswal said, '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 engaged with the Qatari side, and our Embassy has kept the Sikh community in Doha informed about developments.'

He added that the Embassy provided all possible assistance within the boundary of local laws and regulations. On August 23, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging him to address the issue of permitting Sikhs in Qatar to establish Gurdwaras for free religious practice.

In a post on her X handle, Badal stated, 'I appealed to Dr. S. Jaishankar to engage on the matter of releasing the two 'Saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji from police custody in Qatar. The Sikh 'sangat' in Qatar is deeply distressed that the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, regarded as the living Guru by the community, has been treated as case property.' She also called on Jaishankar to push for the establishment of Gurdwaras in Qatar for the Sikh community's free religious practice.

(With inputs from agencies.)