In memory of lakhs of Punjabis who lost their lives during the partition of the country in 1947, an Ardas (Sikh prayer) was organized today at Sri Akal Takht Sahib by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). After the bhog (concluding ceremony) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, the hazuri raagi jatha of Sri Harmandar Sahib performed Gurbani Kirtan. Ardas was offered by Bhai Prem Singh and the holy hukamnama was recited by Giani Malkeet Singh, head granthi of Akal Takht Sahib. On the occasion of the event, head granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib and Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, and other prominent personalities were present.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Giani Raghbir Singh said that during the partition of 1947, Punjabis suffered a lot, and especially the Sikhs suffered the most. The line that was drawn during this partition was drawn on the chest of Punjab. He said that Punjab, the heritage country of the Sikhs, was divided into two parts, due to which the Gurdwara Sahibs, dear to the lives of the Sikhs were separated. The Sikhs who owned large lands and businesses in the Western Punjab (now Pakistan) had to leave their properties and millions of Punjabis lost their lives during these partition-related disturbances. He said that the leaders of India forgot the promises they made with the Sikhs and on the contrary, called the Sikhs as criminals by profession. He said that it is sad that even after 77 years, the governments of both countries have not even said two words of regret for the people who were killed at that time.
Giani Raghbir Singh said that injustice to Sikhs continues even today. Many Sikhs have been lodged in jails for three decades even after completing their sentences and the government is not releasing them. He questioned the union home minister that he should tell under which law and authority the Sikh prisoners are kept in jail even after completion of their sentences. He also asked why there is a separate law for Sikhs in the country. He urged the Sikh community to renounce factionalism and mutual division and unite in the struggle against injustice. He said to tackle and prevent conspiracy to divide the Sikhs on social media, the attacks on Sikh Maryada and traditions, the Sikhs should be matured in Gurmat (teachings of Sikh Gurus) by getting initiated into the Sikh way of living and connecting to Gurbani.
On the occasion, SGPC member Gurinderpal Singh Gora, head granthi Giani Malkeet Singh, SGPC secretary Partap Singh, Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, Kulwinder Singh Ramdas, Tejinder Singh Padda, Preetpal Singh, manager of Sri Darbar Sahib. Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, assistant secretary Balwinder Singh Khairabad, Harbhajan Singh Vakta, superintendent Nishan Singh, Malkit Singh Beharwal, manager Narinder Singh, additional manager Gurpreet Singh Rode, Gurtinderpal Singh and Sangat were present.