Lahore:
The 186th anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the iconic “Sher-E-Punjab” (Lion of Punjab), was observed with reverence and solemnity by Gurdwara Dera Saib in Lahore. However, the absence of SIKH pilgrims from India threw a shadow over the memorials when Indian authorities refused permission for the delegation to travel to Pakistan, despite official invitations from Islamabad.
Attorneys for religious freedom and SIKH leaders have strongly condemned the Indian government’s decision and called it another example of New Delhi’s discriminatory policy -this time targeting the SIKH community. The ongoing closure of boundaries due to strained connections in India-Pakistan combined with what many describe as the Modi administration’s sectarian intolerance was described as deeply regrettable by SKH representatives.
The most important memorial event took place at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Samadhi (Mausoleum) within the historic districts of Gurdwara Dera Sahib. A large number of SIKH assignments from all over Pakistan were gathered to pay tribute to the legendary ruler who is widely honored to found the Sikh Empire and to his commitment to religious pluralism.
For the purpose of the collection, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, President of ETPB, Rich Trest to Singh and condemned India’s steps to block SIKH pilgrims from participating.
