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Sikh
shrines in state of neglect in Pakistan
WSN Network
AMRITSAR: Sikh pilgrims frequenting Pakistan have lamented that the
Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee has turned a "blind
eye" to many historical gurudwaras in the country which are in a
dilapidated condition. "Only those gurudwaras are properly
maintained that are frequently visited by Sikhs from across the
world," local Sikhs, who have undertaken numerous pilgrimages to
Pakistan, told the media.
They point out that the PSGPC has shown interest in the development
of gurudwaras like 'Janam Asthan' -- Nankana Sahib, the birthplace
of Guru Nanak, and others like Sacha Sauda, Panja Sahib (Hasanabdal),
Dera Sahib (Lahore) and Rori Sahib (Gujjranwala).
The developments in these gurdwaras have included renovations of
their structures, construction of inns with modern facilities for
visiting devotees, construction of community kitchens,
beautification of the surroundings, besides making security
arrangements.
However, the PSGPC has ignored historical gurudwaras, the pilgrims
said. Among the historical gurudwaras that are being "grossly
neglected" are Singh Singhnian, Janam Asthan Guru Ram Das, Bhai Taro
Ji, Bal Leela, Pattee Sahib, Keyara Sahib, Maaljee Sahib, Sacha
Sauda, Sach Khand, Tamboo Sahib, Chakkee Sahib, Bhai Lalo Di Khooyee,
Nanak Garh and Chowbacha Sahib.
Several gurdwara buildings are either rapidly deteriorating or have
already collapsed, they said.
There are as many as 172 historical Sikh shrines spread across
Pakistan. The Pakistan government allows Indian Sikhs to visit only
developed gurudwaras, the pilgrims said.
Asked about the condition of gurudwaras in Pakistan, PSGPC President
Bishan Singh, who was here recently, admitted that many gurudwaras
were in a state of neglect. He said PSGPC wanted to maintain other
gurudwaras also but there were no Sikh devotees in the areas.
Appreciating the role of Pakistan government, Singh said the
government has released a grant of Rs 26 crore for the maintenance
and expansion of gurudwaras. He said Rs two crore has been spent on
the construction of a community kitchen at Panja Sahib, whereas Rs
66 lakh was earmarked for outer flooring of Nankana Sahib.
The ongoing 'kar sewa' at Gurdwara Singh Singhnian (Lahore) and
Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Tambu Sahib (Nankana Sahib)
is being done on behalf of the UK-based delegation of Avtar Singh
Sanghera and Baba Jagtar Singh (Tarn Taran), he said.
28 March 2007
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