The alleged demolition of a section of the historic Gurdwara Sahib building in Farrukhabad, located in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura district, has sparked concern within the Sikh community. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has expressed strong protest over the incident and demanded immediate intervention from the Pakistan government.
He stated that ensuring the protection of the historical and religious heritage of Sikhs is the responsibility of the Pakistan government and that strict action must be taken against those responsible. Dhami noted that, according to the information he received, certain individuals demolished a part of the building with the alleged intention of encroaching upon the land of the historic Gurdwara Sahib, situated in Mandi Sakrana, Farrukhabad. He emphasized that this Gurdwara is a significant historical site linked to the Singh Sabha movement and holds a special place in Sikh history; damaging such religious and historical sites is a matter of grave concern. Sentiments of the Sikh community hurt.
The SGPC President remarked that there are numerous Gurdwaras and religious heritage sites associated with Sikh history in Pakistan. The preservation and maintenance of these sites are the responsibility of the local administration and relevant bodies. Any damage to these heritage sites or attempts at illegal encroachment hurts the sentiments of the entire Sikh community. He asserted that attempts to erase the identity of any historic religious site or to encroach upon its land cannot be tolerated. The concerned administration must take immediate action in such cases to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Demand for an impartial probe by the Pakistan government
Dhami has appealed to the Pakistan government and the Evacuee Trust Property Board to conduct a fair and speedy investigation into the entire matter. He demanded that if the investigation reveals the involvement of any individual, strict legal action should be taken against them.
Additionally, he called for effective measures to be taken for the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the historic Gurdwara Sahib while safeguarding its original identity. Dhami stated that Sikh heritage is a shared cultural legacy of the entire world and must be protected at all costs. He expressed hope that the Pakistan government would take this matter seriously, initiate necessary action, and ensure the security of the historic Gurdwara Sahib.
