Sikh jatha leaves for ‘kar sewa’ of Pak gurdwara

AMRITSAR : Sikh jatha led by Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) president Paramjit Singh Sarna left for Pakistan on Wednesday to take part in ‘Kar Sewa’ of historical Sikh shrine Gurdwara Dehra Sahib at Lahore.

At Wagah border, Sarna said the ‘Kar Sewa’ has been assigned to them by the Pakistan government, Auqaf board and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and being undertaken with the cooperation of Baba Jagtar Singh Tarn Taran Wale.

“Under the ‘Kar Sewa’, roof of first floor of gurdwara’s building would be laid. We will also hold discussion with the Auqaf board and PSGPC authorities regarding arrangements of Shaheedi Gurpurb (martyrdom day) of fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev, which will be observed on June 16 as per original Nanakshahi calendar,” he said.

Gurdwara Dehra Sahib is situated opposite the Royal Mosque or Shahi Masjid at Lahore (Pakistan). At the place, Guru Arjan Dev, fifth Guru of Sikhs, was tortured and martyred by the then Mughal rulers in 1606.

Lashing out at the SGPC on calendar issue, the former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) said, “First, the SGPC converted original Nanakshahi calendar into Bikrami calendar and now is set to alter Sikh Rehat Maryada.”

“The forces that are behind the alteration in Nanakshahi calendar are also making efforts to ensure modification in Maryada,” he said.

These acts would be another attack on Sikh faith and its distinct identity,” added Sarna, lauding the PSGPC for following the original Nanakshahi calendar,” he added.