Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has strongly condemned the demolition of the 125-year-old historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan, describing it as a grave attack on the religious sentiments of millions of Sikhs worldwide. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Seechewal urged immediate diplomatic intervention to ensure the reconstruction of the gurdwara and strict legal action against those responsible.
Demolition by land mafia
The gurdwara, located about 70 km from Lahore, was allegedly demolished by a land mafia, with an influential businessman believed to be behind the incident. According to media reports, the Auqaf Board, which is responsible for the protection of historical religious heritage, failed to take any effective action. Seechewal stated that the destruction is not merely the demolition of a building but a severe blow to Sikh heritage and has caused deep anguish among the global Sikh community.
Appeal for diplomatic action
In his letter, Seechewal appealed to the Centre to raise the issue with the Government of Pakistan with utmost seriousness, ensure the strictest possible action against the culprits, and take effective diplomatic measures to safeguard Sikh religious shrines and the minority Sikh community living in Pakistan. He referenced the Nankana Sahib Massacre as a testament to the sacrifices made by Sikhs to protect the sanctity of Guru Ghars, even at the cost of their lives.
Global Sikh community outraged
The incident has sparked widespread resentment among Sikhs globally. Seechewal emphasized that the Sikh community has always made immense sacrifices to protect its gurdwaras and religious institutions. He urged the Indian government to ensure the reconstruction of the demolished gurdwara and to seek strict legal action against the perpetrators through diplomatic channels.
