Lahore:
The 186th anniversary of the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the emblematic “Sher-E-Punjab” (lion of Punjab), was observed with reverence and solemnity in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. However, the absence of Sikhs from India has thrown a shadow on commemorations, while the Indian authorities have denied the authorization of the delegation to go to Pakistan, despite the official invitations of Islamabad.
Defenders of religious freedom and Sikh leaders firmly condemned the decision of the Indian government, appealing to another example of the discriminatory policies of New Delhi – this moment targeting the Sikh community. The ongoing closure of the borders due to the India-Pakistan relations, combined with what many describe as the sectarian intolerance of the Modi administration, has been described as deeply regrettable by Sikh representatives.
The main commemorative event took place at the Samadhi (mausoleum) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the historic constituencies of Gurdwara Dera Sahib. A large number of faithful sikhs from all of Pakistan gathered to pay tribute to the legendary sovereign who is largely revered for having founded the Sikh Empire and for his commitment to religious pluralism.
Addressing the rally, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, president of the ETPB, paid tribute rich to Singh and denounced India’s decision to prevent Sikhs pilgrims from participating.
