SGPC to extend aid to Sikh families in Shillong

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 12

Acting on the advice of its panel that was sent for an assessment of the situation in the troubled areas of Shillong, the SGPC has chalked out a plan to extend a helping hand to Sikhs there.

Though reports suggest that the situation in Shillong is slowly limping back to normal and the curfew has been relaxed, there is a sense of insecurity among the Sikh families.

The SGPC will send another delegation to offer monetary help to the aggrieved families and gurdwaras in the capital of Meghalaya.

Several indigenous Khasi groups had been pressuring the Meghalaya government to relocate Sikhs living in Thom Metor and Punjabi Colony.

SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said: “The Sikhs have been living there for decades. The question of re-locating them does not arise. We will send another delegation to Shillong. An amount of Rs 2 lakh will be given to each of the Sikh family living in Punjabi Colony whose houses were damaged. We have also decided to send a monetary assistance of Rs 10 lakh to gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Bara Bazar, Shillong. This money would be spent on raising infrastructure of the gurdwara. Similarly, another Rs 1 lakh will be given to Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Gora Line. Besides, an additional amount for setting up a library in three gurdwaras has been spared. The Sikh girls who braved the situation would be recognised with a cash reward of Rs 21,000 each.”