Activist Ends 18-Month Protest on Tower After New Anti-Sacrilege Law

After spending over 18 months perched atop a 400-foot BSNL tower in Samana, Punjab, activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has ended his dramatic protest against sacrilege incidents. Khalsa, who began this protest on October 12, 2024, was demanding tougher legislation against sacrilege, particularly of the Guru Granth Sahib.

His descent was orchestrated by a coordinated effort involving firemen, police and civil officials, utilizing a specialized crane-lift. Khalsa was taken for a medical checkup following his descent, which was met with celebratory chants and the scattering of flower petals by supporters.

The protest highlighted the pressing demand for stricter anti-sacrilege laws in Punjab, culminating in the Punjab government passing the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. This law enforces severe penalties for acts of sacrilege, aiming to deter future incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)