After ban on Sikh jatha bound for Pak, SGPC sends books on Nankana Sahib massacre to Modi, Shah

After the Government of India (GOI) debarred the 700-member Jatha (group) of Sikh pilgrims from going to Pakistan to mark the first centenary of the Nankana Sahib massacre, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) today (February 19, 2021) sent a set of books to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah each to make them realize the importance of the massacre in the Sikh history and its role in the freedom struggle of the Indian subcontinent.

Attached with the books, letters were also sent to both by the SGPC president Jagir ‘Kaur’. In her letter, she wrote that Sikhs laid the foundation of freedom of the country through sacrifices, but the GOI is discriminating against Sikhs. “The Government of India should still understand the sentiments of the Sikhs and allow the sangat to be a part of the event on February 21”, she added.

Addressing a press conference at the SGPC office in Amritsar, Jagir ‘Kaur’ said, “There is a huge outcry in the Sikh community over the government’s decision to stop the participation of Jatha in the centenary events of Saka Nankana Sahib. After the bloody massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, the Nankana Sahib massacre had shocked the people of the world. This incident laid the foundation of the country’s independence, after which even Mahatma Gandhi had to say that half of the country’s freedom struggle had been won.”

“By ignoring the history of Sikhs, the Government of India has stopped the Jatha going to mark and attend the centenary of Saka Nankana Sahib. This action of the Central Government is also an insult to the patriotic Sikh martyrs”, said her.

The SGPC chief further said, “A set of books is being sent to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the history of Sikhs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. Along with these books, letters are also being sent to both the leaders, informing them about the incident’s history. These letters and sets of books will be delivered to both by the officials of SGPC”.

Talking about the purpose of sending these historical books, SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur said, “It was to make the Prime Minister and the Home Minister realize why it was important for the sangat to participate in the ceremonies taking place at the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan on the occasion of the centenary of Saka Nankana Sahib.”