Former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a BJP leader, has alleged that the administration of the Kartarpur Gurdwara in Pakistan desecrated the Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib shrine by hosting a meat and dance party within the Kartarpur Sahib complex.
The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara holds immense significance for the Sikh community. Videos that have gone viral on social media show a party at Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib on November 18, allegedly organized by Sayed Abu Bakar Qureshi, CEO of Project Management Unit for Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Sirsa’s allegations
- In a post on X, formerly known as “Twitter”, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly criticised an incident where meat was eaten in a sacred place and asked Pakistan to act quickly.
- He posted on X, urging the Government of Pakistan to take action against those responsible for the event shown in the pictures.
- Sirsa was upset that government officials organized a non-vegetarian party at Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib, attended by 80 people, including officials like Deputy Commissioner of Narowal, Mohammad Sharukh.
- He insisted on accountability from the Government of Pakistan for disrespecting Guru Nanak Dev ji’s resting place, which is considered supremely holy in the Sikh community.
- Later, on the same platform, he condemned the involvement of the Kartarpur Gurdwara committee administration in the incident.
- This isn't the first time Sirsa has criticised the Government of Pakistan regarding Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara.
- In 2021, he criticized the Gurdwara management for allowing a woman to move around the Gurdwara without covering her hair, a violation of Sikh community rules
Why has it angered the Sikh Community?
- According to Sikh Rehat Maryada and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, consuming meat from a slaughtered animal within Gurudwara premises is explicitly forbidden.
- Similarly, Sikhism prohibits the consumption of substances such as alcohol and cigarettes within Gurudwara premises.
- The reported incident at Kartarpur, Pakistan's Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib, breaches these two crucial tenets of Sikhism.
- This has caused significant backlash and condemnation from Sikhs due to the infringement on their religious beliefs, directed mainly at the Gurudwara management.
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"The Pakistan government should know that Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is a place of worship for us. They should take action against those responsible,"
- Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh