|
SGPC seeks report from Pak
gurdwara panel
Amritsar: The
SGPC has sought a fact-finding report from Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara
Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) regarding fleeing of around 200 Sikhs
from the Swat valley in Pakistan, following “jazia tax” imposed on
the members of the minority communities, especially Sikhs, as
reported by the media.
Piqued over the
disturbing reports, Avtar Singh and Dalmegh Singh, president and
secretary of Shiromani Committee, respectively, established contacts
with Bishan Singh, former president of the PSGPC and senior
officials of Pakistan, asking him to ensure safety of the Sikhs
living there.
|
The
plight of the Sikhs, living in Taliban-dominated areas, was
dismal since they were again forced to live like refugees |
|
The SGPC
president also asked the government of Pakistan to ensure safe
return of the Sikh jatha, which had crossed over to Pakistan to
celebrate Baisakhi at Gurdwara Panja Sahib and other Sikh shrines in
Pakistan. The SGPC president said it was shocking that members of
the Sikh community were being forced to vacate their houses.
He said the
plight of the Sikhs, living in Taliban-dominated areas, was dismal
since they were again forced to live like refugees after the
Partition.
The SGPC
president said if the government of
Pakistan
failed to take immediate action, then Sikhs would feel alienated in
Pakistan.
Dalmegh said
Bishan told him that the reports about fleeing of the Sikhs from
Taliban-dominated areas and consequently taking shelter in gurdwaras
in Pakistan were true.
After the
Hindus, it is the Sikhs who are fleeing the Swat region.
“We condemn this
development. It’s totally undemocratic. We will soon raise the issue
with the Indian government," said SGPC president.
Earlier,
Pakistan parliament endorsed a move to enforce Islamic Shariah laws
in Swat, which was later approved by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Courtesy The
Tribune
22
April 2009
|
Read Also