SSP Traffic says it was unintentional and regrets the ‘Misunderstanding’
Sarabjit Singh
Jammu Tawi, September 17
A major controversy broke out on Wednesday evening after SSP Traffic Jammu allegedly beat a Sikh truck driver and pulled off his turban near the Ring Road toll plaza under Miran Sahib police jurisdiction. The act, seen as a grave insult to the Sikh religious identity, sparked widespread anger among the Sikh community and transport associations.
Enraged leaders and members of the Sikh community, joined by transporters, blocked the Ring Road toll plaza for over two hours. The blockade continued till late evening, severely affecting traffic movement.
Key leaders including Transport Association chief Parminder Singh “Happy,” Tanker Union President Ranjit Singh, District Gurdwara Committee President Ranjit Singh Tohra, Vice President Balvinder Singh, Jagpal Singh, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) President Narinder Singh Khalsa staged a dharna, demanding an unconditional apology from SSP Traffic Jammu.
Senior police officials, including SDPO RS Pura Gurmeet Singh and SP South Jammu Ajay Sharma, rushed to the spot and appealed to protesters to lift the blockade. However, the protesters refused, insisting that the stir would continue until the SSP Traffic issued a public apology.
Protesting organizations warned the administration of intensified agitation if justice was denied. “If the SSP Traffic does not apologize, transporters will keep the roads closed in Jammu on Thursday, and the administration will be responsible for the consequences,” declared Sikh leaders.
As tempers ran high, the incident has raised sharp concerns over law enforcement conduct and respect for religious sentiments in the region.
Meanwhile, SSP Traffic issued a clarification addressing the Sikh community, stating that any hurt caused to their sentiments was purely unintentional.
The SSP said, “If by my act, while performing my official and regular duties, I want to make it clear that there was no role or intention from my side. This was part of the movement, and unfortunately, it has turned into a bad moment. I deeply regret the misunderstanding.”
The officer appealed for calm, urging the community not to misinterpret his actions and assured that his commitment remains towards duty and maintaining harmony.
