Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday condemned the attempts made to convert a historic gurdwara into a mosque in Pakistan’s Lahore.
Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan is a historical shrine built at the spot where Bhai Taru Singh made the supreme sacrifice in 1745.
“Strongly condemn attempts being made to convert holy Gurdwara Sri Shahidi Asthan in Lahore, site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh Ji, into mosque,” Amarinder tweeted.
“Urge @DrSJaishankar to convey Punjab’s concerns in strongest terms to Pakistan to safeguard all Sikh places of reverence,” he added.
India on Monday lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan High Commission over the issue.
“A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission today on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara ‘Shahidi Asthan’, site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it to a mosque,” Ministry of External Afffairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said yesterday.
“Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan Bhai Taru Ji is a historical gurdwara where Bhai Taru Ji made supreme sacrifice in 1745. The Gurdwara is a place of reverence and considered sacred by the Sikh community. This incident has been viewed with grave concern in India. There have been calls for justice for the minority Sikh community in Pakistan,” he said.
“India expressed its concerns, in strongest terms on this incident and called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures. Pakistan was also called upon to look after the safety, security, well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage,” he added.
