A commotion unfolded outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Monday during the official visit of US Ambassador Sergio Gor. As the diplomat arrived at Sri Harmandir Sahib to pay his respects and interact with leading Sikh representatives, a small group gathered outside the perimeter and began chanting slogans. Demonstrators raised slogans supporting Khalistan alongside chants of God Bless America. Security personnel deployed at the venue acted immediately, bringing the crowd under control and preventing the situation from escalating.
This demonstration occurred against the backdrop of recent law enforcement action in Amritsar, where local police had previously taken two individuals into custody for allegedly spray-painting pro-Khalistan graffiti across various public locations in the city. Despite the brief interruption outside, Ambassador Gor proceeded with his scheduled engagements inside the shrine and held detailed deliberations with senior Sikh leadership.
Reception by SGPC Leadership and Akal Takht Representatives
Upon his arrival at the complex, Ambassador Sergio Gor was received by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami and the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. The leaders held an official meeting to discuss key matters concerning the Sikh community, both historically and in modern times.
Speaking regarding the interaction, Harjinder Singh Dhami noted that Ambassador Gor recalled fond memories of his previous journey to the sacred site. The ambassador mentioned that this marked his second visit to the Golden Temple, having first visited roughly 15 years earlier alongside his parents.
“He shared memories of his previous visit with us. We welcomed him on behalf of the SGPC and sat down to discuss important issues concerning Sikhs.”
Dhami clarified that the SGPC did not submit any formal memorandum to the visiting American envoy during the interaction. However, the committee did draw his attention to an offensive and hateful image concerning the Sikh community that had surfaced in the United States. The SGPC had previously contacted American officials via email to flag the issue, leading to the prompt removal of the objectionable graphic.
Discussions on Universal Equality and Historical Ties
Detailing the thematic discussions held during the visit, acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj highlighted the convergence between the teachings of the Sikh Gurus regarding universal human equality and the principles enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence. Gargajj pointed out that Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib has eternally disseminated the values of social equality and universal brotherhood across borders.
The conversation also touched upon the historic connections bridging the Sikh Empire and the United States. The Jathedar noted that during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, American citizens had served within the Sikh ruler's army. The dialogue concluded with reflections on diverse issues impacting the Sikh diaspora currently living in the United States.
