:dateline:A special religious program was today organized by the SGPC at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall to pay tribute to the departed souls of Afghan Sikh leaders. Notably, 12 Afghan Sikh leaders, including the upcoming parliamentarian S. Avtar Singh Khalsa was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Jalalabad on July 1.
Following the culmination of Sri Akhand Path Sahib laid on July 3, Ardasia Bhai Sultan Singh performed �Ardas� for the spiritual peace of the deceased Afghan Sikh leaders. Hazoori Raagi Jathas of Bhai Satinderbir Singh and Bhai Gurdev Singh Koharka performed the Gurbani Kirtan and Giani Mann Singh read the sacred �Hukamnama� (order of the Almighty Lord) on this occasion. �
Addressing the Sikh devotees, the SGPC appointed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh appealed the entire Sikh world to get united for helping the victim families of the Jalalabad bomb blast. He said that although the Sikh seminaries are playing their role, but the Sikh diaspora also needs to come forward.
SGPC president S. Gobind Singh Longowal said that looking after the families of Bomb blast victims is the duty of the Sikh community and the SGPC will make every possible effort for it. Reiterating his stance for facilitating free education to children of deceased Sikhs, he added that the SGPC will send special relief to the victim families in the coming days.
SGPC�s General Secretary S. Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala and SGPC Secretary Dr. Roop Singh also paid tribute to the departed souls of Afghan Sikh leaders. They took on the Afghanistan government for not taking appropriate steps for the security of Sikhs residing there. �Feeling of insecurity among Sikhs residing in Afghanistan has compelled them to emigrate from Afghanistan� he added.
Afghan Sikh Heera Singh, who had immigrated to India, said that the efforts of SGPC will help the families of Afghan Sikh leaders in emerging from the trauma. He added that the �Ardas� for the departed souls of Aghan Sikh leaders at sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib is above than all other helps.
SGPC�s executive members Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, S. Gurmeet Singh Booh, S. Gurcharan Singh Grewal, S. Surjit Singh Bhittewind, SGPC members S. Amarjit Singh Chawla, Bhai Ajaib Singh Abhiasi, S. Gurpreet Singh Jhabbar, S. Magwinder Singh Khapadkhedi, Bhai Manjit Singh Bhoora Kohna, S. Jarnail Singh Dogranwala, S. Sarwan Singh Kular, S. Bawa Singh Gumanpura, S. Harbans Singh Manjhpur etc. were also present on this occasion. �
