Miran Sahib, Sept 17: Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony, has strongly condemned the shocking incident in which SSP Traffic Jammu, Farooq Qaiser, allegedly slapped a stranded Sikh truck driver, leading to the falling of the driver’s turban—an act that has caused deep outrage within the Sikh community and among transport workers.
The incident occurred during the ongoing closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, where hundreds of truckers have been stranded for days and are reportedly facing harassment and mistreatment by traffic police and administration officials instead of support.
Leading a protest in Miran Sahib with the support of local Sikh organisations, Tony said “This is not just a case of misbehavior—it is an open act of disrespect to the Sikh identity. The turban is a sacred symbol for every Sikh. Slapping a Sikh man and knocking off his turban is a humiliation of our religious values and dignity.”
He expressed grave concern over the increasing number of such incidents, “This is not the first time. Repeated cases are emerging where police officials are misusing their power and beating civilians, especially poor drivers. This pattern is dangerous and unacceptable.”
Tony stressed that no one is above the Constitution, and highlighted Article 19, which guarantees every Indian citizen the right to dignity, expression, and protection from state excesses.
“If there is any violation by truckers, the law provides for challans and legal action—not slaps, insults, or beatings. The police are meant to protect, not intimidate,” he said.
Reiterating the Sikh community’s legacy, Tony reminded that Sikhs have given over 97% of the sacrifices during India’s freedom struggle and have always stood at the frontline in defending the nation’s sovereignty.
He demanded immediate suspension of SSP Traffic Jammu, Farooq Qaiser; a public and unconditional apology; an impartial, time-bound inquiry into the incident and strict directions to police to stop use of force against civilians.
Tony also called upon the Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu & Kashmir, to personally intervene and treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“This is not a small issue. If the police force tries to overlook or suppress this matter, there must be consequences. Repeated police brutality is eroding public trust, and the Sikh community will not tolerate such behavior any further,” he warned.
He concluded by demanding immediate training and sensitization programs for all police personnel to ensure lawful and respectful conduct, particularly during crises like highway closures.
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