Yes Punjab
Amritsar, Jan 1 2024-
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) commemorated the martyrdom of Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke by holding Ardas Samagam (Sikh prayer congregation) at Sri Akal Takht Sahib today. On this occasion, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, Jathedar Kaunke’s wife Bibi Gurmail Kaur along with a large number of prominent personalities of the Panth attended the congregation. Hazuri Ragi Bhai Kulwinder Singh of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib performed Gurbani Kirtan and Ardas (Sikh prayer) was offered by Bhai Baljit Singh. Bhai Kaunke’s wife Bibi Gurmail Kaur and family members Bibi Pawanjit Kaur, Ajit Singh, and former Sarpanch Manjinder Singh were honoured with Siropao (robe of honour).
Speaking to the media on this occasion, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said that the martyrdom of Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke about 31 years ago was the peak of the inhumane act of the then government. In this era, the killing of thousands of innocent Sikh youths is a black stain in the name of democracy, which can never be washed away. Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib said that the SGPC has been asked to take action in the case of the murder of Jathedar Kaunke because the murderers of Sikhs must be given exemplary punishment. Giani Raghbir Singh said about the Ardas Samagam (congregation) organized by the SGPC regarding Jathedar Kaunke that it is good to remember the martyrs and warriors.
On this occasion, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to consider giving honour to Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke as a ‘Qaumi Shaheed’ in the gathering of Panj Singh Sahibs. Harjinder Singh Dhami said that Jathedar Kaunke was a devout Sikh and devoted to Sikhi, whose sacrifice will always be respected by the community. He said that like Jathedar Kaunke, more than 25 thousand Sikh youths were martyred by the police at that time, about which Sikh human rights activist Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra exposed the true face of the government to the people. He said that every killer of Sikh youth should be punished so that their families and Sikh sentiments can get relief.
During the Ardas Samagam, SGPC General Secretary Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, executive members Khushwinder Singh Bhatia, Bibi Hardeep Kaur Khokh, member Bhai Manjit Singh Bhurakohna, Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla, Alwinderpal Singh Pakhoke, Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Bhai Ram Singh, Surjit Singh Bhittewad, Mangwinder Singh Khaparkheri, Satwinder Singh Tohra, Bhai Amarjit Singh Bandala, Gurbachan Singh Karmunwala, Surjit Singh Tughalwal, Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan, Baba Charanjit Singh Jassowal, Advocate Jasbir Singh Ghuman, Baltej Singh Khokh, Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, SGPC secretary Partap Singh, OSD Satbir Singh Dhami, additional secretary Kulwinder Singh Ramdas, Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, Gurinder Singh Mathrewal, Bijay Singh, Gurmeet Singh Buttar, Tejinder Singh Padda, Pritpal Singh, manager of Sri Darbar Sahib Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, leader of Dal Khalsa Kanwarpal Singh, Narain Singh Chaurha, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Manjit Singh Bhoma, Upkar Singh Sandhu, Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala, Satnam Singh Manawan and the Sangat were present.
