Shahabad Markanda (Kurukshetra): Members of the Sikh community from across Haryana gathered at the Miri Piri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MPIMSR) on Tuesday to protest an alleged attempt to forcibly take control of the institute and the subsequent police action against its trustees and devotees.The protest followed allegations that Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) co-opted member Baljit Singh Daduwal tried to take illegal control of the institute, which is run by a charitable trust and supported by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.Protesters claimed that despite a complaint by the institute’s management, police registered a case against trustees and members of the Sikh community instead of acting against the accused, triggering resentment.Addressing the gathering, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami termed the police action “high-handed” and said the Miri Piri Trust is an independent body. He added the SGPC provided financial assistance worth crores annually for welfare activities in Haryana.Referring to an earlier dispute, Dhami said the matter had reached the Punjab and Haryana high court, which granted a stay when the HSGMC allegedly attempted to take control of the institute. He alleged that Daduwal and his associates had violated court directions, adding that contempt proceedings had been initiated.SGPC members said infrastructure for a proposed medical college at the institute is ready and urged the govt to grant a no-objection certificate for 100 MBBS seats. They added the hospital is already providing healthcare services and asserted the sangat (community) would resist any attempt at illegal possession.A memorandum of demands was submitted to the Kurukshetra police administration, seeking action against those responsible. Several Sikh leaders and devotees from different districts of Haryana attended the gathering.
