Amritsar, October 30:
The main centenary congregation of Shaheedi Saka (martyrdom massacre) Panja Sahib that took place 100 years ago, was organised at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Pakistan on Sunday, which was attended by prominent Panthic personalities.
In this centenary event organised jointly by Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (PSGPC) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh said in his address that the martyrs of Saka Panja Sahib were committed to the Sikh beliefs, who sacrificed their lives for strengthening Sikh institutions.
Jathedar said that after the partition of the country, many Gurdhams (Sikh shrines), including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, were left in Pakistan, towards which the Sikh community has deep reverence and devotion. He said Sikhs should have an open opportunity to visit these shrines which were separate from the community.
“The governments of both India and Pakistan should make arrangements to grant on-arrival visas to the Sikhs wishing to visit the shrines on either side, so that the pilgrims can visit their shrines without any inconvenience and pay obeisance”, said Giani Harpreet Singh.
Jathedar said that the Sikhs want smooth relations between the two countries, because whenever there is bitterness in the relations between both the nations, the movement of Sikh jathas is affected firstly.
Giani Harpreet Singh said that it is not right to keep the train service stopped for the pilgrims coming to Pakistan. “Because of the closure of affordable train service, there is a financial burden on the common pilgrims. I urge the governments of both the countries to pay attention to this important issue and restore the long running train service”, said Giani Harpreet Singh.
Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib also mentioned the issue of non-release of Sikh prisoners during his address. The Jathedar also asked the government and the Sangat to pay special attention to strengthen the Sikh organisations.
He appealed to the Sikhs to take inspiration from the lives of the martyrs on the occasion of the centenary Saka Panja Sahib.
Meanwhile, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami paid tribute to the martyrs of Saka Panja Sahib and said that this history of struggle of the Sikh community is priceless, which the Sangat will remember for ages. He said that martyrs are the heritage of the community and history is a source of inspiration. Saka Panja Sahib is an important example of Sikh spirit, which will always maintain its influence.
He said that the footsteps laid by of Sikh martyrs Shaheed Bhai Karam Singh and Shaheed Bhai Pratap Singh, 100 years ago will continue to represent the community.
On this occasion, Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the government should show generosity for the open pilgrimage to Sikh shrines left in Pakistan. He appealed to the present officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Pakistan to pay special attention to the problem faced by the pilgrims at the time of getting visas. He said that recently to attend the centenary congregation, the visas of many important personalities of the SGPC were rejected, which has caused a lot of inconvenience. He demanded that long-term visas should be arranged for pilgrims and especially the preachers, raagi jathas so that they continue to visit Sikh shrines in Pakistan from time to time. SGPC President appealed to abolish the condition of passport for the Sangat crossing to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Narowal via Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
On this occasion, PSGPC President Ameer Singh and additional secretary of ETPB Rana Shahid Saleem paid homage to the martyrs of Saka Panja Sahib and welcomed the visiting personalities and pilgrims. Sharing his views, Rana Shahid Saleem said that both the martyrs of Saka Panja Sahib are important and it is necessary to observe the history of this Saka besides realizing it. He said that the family members of both the martyrs are very respectful. Rana Shahid Saleem said that the government of Pakistan values minorities and gives special attention to their affairs. He said that people of all religions are equal in the country and all religious beliefs and their shrines are respected. He said the country is sensitive to every religion.
PSGPC President Ameer Singh while sharing the history of Saka, also thanked the prominent personalities who arrived there. On this occasion, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders from Delhi Paramjit Singh Sarna and others also addressed the congregation. The family members of martyrs and prominent personalities were honoured during the event.
Meanwhile, giving information from Pakistan, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the officials of PSGPC and ETPB have assured to build a suitable memorial of Shaheedi Saka Panja Sahib. He said that the planning of this memorial will be according to Sikh history. He also said that the idea of setting up a large sarai (inn) at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and a modern museum has also been expressed by the officials of ETPB. The SGPC President said that the SGPC will provide necessary support in these matters.
Present in the centenary congregation at Pakistan included Giani Gurminder Singh from Sri Harmandar Sahib, Giani Malkeet Singh head granthi of Akal Takht Sahib, former SGPC President Gobind Singh Longowal, SGPC members Bhai Manjit Singh, Mangwinder Singh, Baldev Singh, Sukhwarsh Singh, Amarjit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Ranjit Singh, Paramjit Singh, Paramjit Singh, Bibi Gurinder Kaur, Bibi Jaspal Kaur, Jarnail Singh, Sarvan Singh, Bhai Rajinder Singh, Ajmer Singh, Khushwinder Singh and Bhai Pritpal Singh. In addition to this, SGPC additional secretary Balwinder Singh, Bijai Singh, in-charge of Yatra Department Rajinder Singh Ruby, additional secretary of ETPB Saif Ullah Khokhar, former PSGPC president Satwant Singh, Bishan Singh, member Ravinder Singh, Gurmail Singh, Sarbat Singh, Mimmpal Singh, Gurudwara Dehra Sahib Lahore Granthi Giani Ranjit Singh, Giani Bhai Prem Singh, and Bhai Kulbir Singh were present.