Amritsar, July 2, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal and President of the Sant Samaj, has strongly condemned the reported demolition of a portion, including the dome, of the 125-year-old historic Gurdwara Singh Sabha at Mandi Chuharkana in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The demolition was allegedly carried out by the land mafia in collusion with local authorities.
He has written to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging the Government of India to raise the issue of the deteriorating condition of Sikh and Hindu religious sites, religious properties, and the safety of minority communities in Pakistan with the Government of Pakistan as well as at international forums.
The letter also refers to reported incidents involving illegal encroachments and desecration of several historic Gurdwaras and temples, including those at Hasan Abdal, Nankana Sahib, Lahore, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Sialkot and Kasur.
Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa stated that these incidents demonstrate that not only are Sikh and Hindu places of worship in Pakistan vulnerable, but the religious freedom, security and the right of minority communities to independently manage their religious affairs are also under serious threat.
He appealed to the Government of India to raise the issue during every bilateral engagement with Pakistan and at the United Nations, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), UNESCO and other appropriate international forums.
The letter further calls for ensuring the protection of all Gurdwaras and temples in Pakistan, removal of illegal encroachments, strict action against erring officials and the land mafia, an independent audit of the functioning of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and recognition of the right of the Sikh and Hindu communities to independently manage their religious institutions.
Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa observed that while the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a welcome initiative, the true measure of any country’s commitment to religious tolerance lies in its ability to safeguard its religious heritage and ensure the security and rights of its minority communities.
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