Attempts are being made to convert the Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore as a mosque and India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan High Commission over the issue. While it is the site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh Ji, it is being claimed by a few as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj.
India’s action came after a Muslim cleric in Lahore threatened the Sikh community and said that the gurdwara and its adjoining 4-5 kanals of land belonged to Mazar of Muslim prophet Hazrat Shah Kaku Chesti and adjoining Masjid Shaheed Ganj.
Sohail Butt, who is also the caretaker of the Mazar of Chesti, could be heard saying in a video message that Pakistan is an Islamic nation that belongs to Muslims.
External Affaris Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission today on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara ‘Shahidi Asthan’, site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it to a mosque.”
Stating that India expressed its concerns, in strongest terms, on the incident and called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures, he added: “Pakistan was also called upon to look after the safety, security, well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage.”
A couple of days ago, Akali Dal national spokesperson Manjinder Singh Sirsa appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to warn the extremist elements in the country and take immediate action to save the Shaheedi Asthaan from illegal squatters. There are several historical Sikh gurudwaras in Pakistan which are either in dilapidated condition or are occupied by the land mafia and locals.
The Sikhs are facing persecution across Pakistan. There are many instances of Sikh girls being kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslims. Those who are talking about minorities’ rights in India, where they live with complete dignity, should also talk about the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan.