Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

Varsity will be set up at Nankana Sahib, assures Pak Punjab assembly

- Surjit Singh letterschd@hindustant­imes.com

THE ASSEMBLY HAS UNANIMOUSL­Y RAISED ITS VOICE IN SUPPORT OF SETTING UP THE VARSITY AT NANKANA SAHIB, THE BIRTHPLACE OF GURU NANAK

AMRITSAR: The provincial assembly of Pakistani Punjab has promised to set up the Baba Guru Nanak University at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of first Sikh master, Guru Nanak .

Citing the sentiments associated with the place and advantage to the area, the legislatur­e of Pakistani Punjab had unanimousl­y raised its voice in support of establishi­ng the university at Nankana Sahib, as per the original plan. The move will now lead to the cancellati­on of the plan of shifting the varsity to Muridke.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Kirpal Singh Badungar had recently written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take up the matter with his counterpar­t in Pakistan. Badungar had also announced to send a delegation to Pakistan to negotiate with the authoritie­s concerned.

The government of Pakistan had also earmarked a budget of ₹100 crore for the university. Moreover, Sikh diaspora in United Kingdom and other western countries had offered to fund the university.

SGPC WELCOMES THE MOVE

Welcoming the decision of Pakistani assembly, Badungar said this was a historical move which has accommodat­ed the sentiments of Sikhs who were furious over this issue lately. He thanked the assembly members to raise this matter.

He credited the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and member of Pakistani Punjab assembly, Ramesh Singh Arora, for their persistent efforts to safeguard the interests of Sikh community across the globe.

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