Gargaj backs Shillong Sikhs on eviction row

Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has assured the Sikhs of Shillong the complete support of the Akal Takht.During his visit to Shillong, Gargaj said protecting the rights and interests of the minorities in the country was the foremost duty of the governments.The Acting Jathedar met a large number of devotees from Meghalaya, Assam and other parts of the North-east.

Addressing the sangat, Gargaj said if the government intended to demolish the house of Guru Nanak Dev in Shillong’s Punjabi Lane and displace the Sikhs residing in the area, it would be a grave injustice against the Sikh minority in the country.

He asserted that the Akal Takht and Sikhs across the world stood firmly with the Sikhs living in Punjabi Lane. He also made a special appeal to the Sikh organisations worldwide to raise their voice with full strength at the international level if any injustice was ever committed against the Sikhs of Shillong.

Jathedar Gargaj said whenever the nation’s security was at stake, the martial Sikh community had always played the leading role. Therefore, it was the primary responsibility of governments to ensure that the rights and interests of Sikhs living in the country were safeguarded, and that no oppression or injustice was inflicted upon them.

During the event, Meghalaya Government Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai met the jathedar at the office of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Shillong.

Gargaj urged the minister to stand with the Sikhs living in Punjabi Lane and support them in any time of difficulty.