The controversy surrounding remarks made about the Muslim community by Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri—the head of Bageshwar Dham and a religious storyteller—during the five-day ‘Shri Hanumant Katha’ in Ludhiana has escalated further.
Following Dhirendra Shastri’s recent statement, the Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, has hit back. In a statement issued after Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid, the Shahi Imam said that Shastri had made objectionable remarks regarding the sisters of the Muslim community and is now attempting to alter the meaning of his statement.
**Shahi Imam Levels Allegations**
The Shahi Imam stated that at the time, Shastri had not spoken about religious conversion but had instead made comments concerning Muslim sisters. He remarked, “An attempt was made to insult our sisters. We are a community that values honor, and we respect the daughters of others just as we do our own.”
He noted that a recording of Shastri’s remarks exists and that he had been asked to withdraw his words even at that time. According to the Shahi Imam, the administration had intervened in the matter, and Shastri had offered a clarification, stating that Muslims were his brothers too. Imam wishes to share Punjab’s history with Dhirendra Shastri
Responding to Dhirendra Shastri’s statement about visiting Punjab, the Shahi Imam said, “He is welcome; he may come whenever he wishes. I would like to share the history of Punjab with him.” He noted that the foundation stone of Sri Darbar Sahib was laid by Sai Mian Mir and that the writings of Baba Farid Ji are also enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Imam warns those speaking against any religion
He issued a warning stating that legal action would be taken against anyone speaking against any religion on the soil of Punjab. He further added that his objective is not to disparage any religion, but rather to respect all faiths and places of worship.
