Sikhs call off protest against Maken after his apology

NEW DELHI - Sikhs called off a protest against Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken here on Tuesday after he apologized to them for releasing a poster in which he was shown along with the other revered gurus.

The Sikhs, led by their political outfit, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), had planned to protest, as they had taken it as an affront to their religious sentiments.

Party officials said the protest was called off after Maken apologised for the incident, saying he never meant to hurt religious sentiments.

“Our Delhi unit would have protested in front of his residence, but before that he (lawmaker Ajay Maken) telephonically and in writing apologised saying that it was not his intention, there was no permission given by him for putting his posters,” SAD Secretary General SS Dhindsa.

“However, he apologised not only to people but also to the Sikh gurus as he never intended to hurt religious sentiments of anyone. After which we called off our protest,” he added. (ANI)