Should Atishi Apologise After Sirsa Cites FSL Report?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sirsa demands an apology from Atishi for her comments.
- FSL report confirms the authenticity of the video.
- Political accountability is under scrutiny.
- Sikh community sentiments are significant in this context.
- Media suppression is alleged by Sirsa against AAP.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Delhi Cabinet Minister and Sikh leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated on Saturday that the facts surrounding the offensive remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi during an Assembly discussion on Guru Tegh Bahadur have been revealed, and she is obligated to apologise.
Sirsa emphasized that Atishi should step forward to clarify her statements and issue an apology to both the nation and the Sikh community, alongside AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. He also called for a public apology from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as the state police and government seemed to protect Atishi.
"This is not merely a political dispute. On the revered grounds of Punjab, religion should not be threatened by police or state authority," he asserted, claiming that the Punjab Government's efforts to defend Atishi were flawed, leading to a distorted police report.
Sirsa mentioned that the Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has verified the authenticity of the video featuring Atishi's remarks in the Assembly, confirming there was no alteration, and the words spoken are consistent with the official transcript released by Speaker Vijender Gupta.
"Atishi has refrained from addressing this matter because she lacks a response to her wrongdoing," he stated.
He pointed out key findings from the FSL report: The video and audio are fully authentic; no modifications were made; and the words recorded in the Speaker's transcript align perfectly with those in the video.
"On January 6, during the discussion about Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's respect, Atishi caused a disruption, and when restrained, she uttered such disrespectful words that not only undermined the dignity of the Assembly but also offended the Sikh community. She has not come forward to this day because she has no justification for her actions," Sirsa added.
He noted that it is ironic that Atishi even avoided the House discussion on pollution, despite having previously demanded it.
Sirsa accused the Aam Aadmi Party and the Punjab Government of colluding to misuse state institutions in order to shield Atishi.
He stated that the Punjab Police filed an FIR and secured a CFSL report on the same day, where a senior constable claimed to have verified the video using 'Gemini AI', raising doubts about the reliability of the report.
"Can an AI tool be deemed adequate for investigating such a serious allegation?" questioned Sirsa.
He expressed disbelief that Atishi did not personally appear in court; instead, the Punjab Government sought to remove the video from media circulation, asserting the validity of their purported FSL report.
Now that the FSL report is accessible to the public, Sirsa noted that AAP leaders are questioning the release of this report by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta.
"In truth, they did not want the forensic report to surface. Now that the truth is out, they are in a state of discomfort," stated Sirsa.
He urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and all Panthic organizations to take notice of this matter and express their position publicly.
Additionally, Sirsa accused the Aam Aadmi Party of targeting the media to obscure the truth. He claimed that copies of newspapers were forcibly confiscated early in the morning to prevent them from reaching the public, followed by the misuse of GST, the pollution department, police, and various Punjab agencies to exert pressure.