Gulmarg gurdwara renaming dispute resolved at Akal Takht

The ongoing dispute between Sikh groups regarding Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Yadgar Bhai Vir Singh in Gulmarg, Baramulla, was resolved today by the Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Kuldip Singh Gargaj. The Jathedar, who had summoned representatives of both groups to the secretariat of the Akal Takht, listened to their views and directed the Sangat to live together in harmony and mutual respect.

In connection with the misuse of the name of the Akal Takht Jathedar regarding the renaming of the gurdwara by the Baramulla District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC), seven committee members submitted written apologies to the Jathedar. The committee president, Paramjit Singh, sought additional time to appear before the Akal Takht, citing urgent engagements abroad, while one committee member could not attend due to old age. Two members of the Baramulla DGPC who were part of the complainant side were also present.

Jathedar Gargaj facilitated a consensus between the groups, leading to the signing of a unanimously accepted agreement.

Under the agreement, it was agreed that the name of the Gulmarg gurdwara will remain “Gurdwara Sahib Sri Guru Singh Sabha Yadgar Bhai Vir Singh” and will not be changed in the future. It was further decided that Rs 50 lakh donated by Mumbai-based Gurinder Singh Bawa toward the gurdwara building and deposited in the management committee’s account will be returned to him.

The agreement also noted that the gurdwara construction and development work is being carried out through kar sewa (voluntary service), and Sangat from Jammu and Kashmir as well as other regions should contribute generously to help complete the remaining work.

Both sides agreed that neither side would approach the courts over the issue nor engage in allegations, social media posts, statements, or videos against each other. Instead, they pledged to work together in a spirit of brotherhood and serve the Guru’s house collectively.