LAHORE:
The 186th anniversary of the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the iconic “Sher-E-Punjab” (Leon of Punjab), was observed with reverence and solemnity in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. However, the absence of Sij pilgrims from India threw a shadow on commemorations, since the Indian authorities denied permission for the delegation to travel to Pakistan, despite the official invitations of Islamabad.
The defenders of religious freedom and the Sijs leaders have strongly condemned the decision of the Indian government, qualifying it as another instance of the discriminatory policies of New Delhi, this time aimed at the SIJ community. The continuous closure of the borders due to the tense relations of India-Pakistan, combined with what many describe as the sectarian intolerance of the Modi Administration, was described as deeply unfortunate by SIJH representatives.
The main commemorative event took place in Samadhi (mausoleum) by Maharaja Ranjit Singh within the historical enclosures of Gurdwara Dera Sahib. A large number of Sij devotees from all over Pakistan gathered to pay tribute to the legendary ruler who is widely venerated by founding the SIJ empire and for their commitment to religious pluralism.
Going to the meeting, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, president of the ETPB, paid tribute to Singh and denounced the moving of India to prevent Sij pilgrims from attending.
