Saka Nankana Sahib’s centenary marked in Pak, local Sikhs miss their community from eastern Punjab

Pak Federal Minister Ijaz Shah addressing Sikh sangat at Nankana Sahib during the centenary event of Nankana Sahib massacre

NANKANA SAHIB, Pakistan—Historic 100th anniversary of Nankana Sahib massacre, which is called as “Saka Nankana Sahib” in Sikh parlance, was observed on Sunday (February 21, 2021) with religious zeal and enthusiasm at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. However, the local sangat that came from across Pakistan missed the 700-member Sikh jatha, which was scheduled to attend the centenary events. Still, the Government of India denied it permission to come here.

Not only Sikhs, but Hindu and Muslim followers of Guru Nanak Sahib also attended the centenary event organized by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) with the cooperation of the Pakistan government and its undertaking Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

Sangat during the function at Nankana Sahib

The Sikhs and other followers of Guru Nanak Sahib were waiting for the jatha from eastern Punjab, which is part of the Indian Union. They were eager to listen to the address of SGPC-appointed Akal Takht Sahib acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and noted Sikh preacher Giani Pinderpal Singh who was to come with the jatha but their will could not be fulfilled.

Stopped by the Government of India, Giani Harpreet Singh addressed Pakistan’s sangat gathered in the function through Zoom App. He said Pakistan’s sangat was lucky that it had been able to visit the holy place where the Sikhs attained martyrdom during Saka Nankana Sahib. He condemned the act of the Indian government. He thanked the Pakistan government and the PSGPC for marking the centenary on a large scale and remember the martyrs.

The historic Jand tree on which Bhai Lachhman Singh was hanged and martyred during the Nankana Sahib massacre

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Narcotics Control and Nankana Sahib’s Member of National Assembly (MNA) Brigadier (Retd) Ijaz Ahmad Shah attended the function on behalf of the Pakistan government. He hailed the Sikh community for its idealist character and its contribution to humanity.

He said all the minorities are safe in Pakistan, but the minorities in India are in a vulnerable condition. He expressed grief that the Sikhs from eastern Punjab could not attend the event due to the indifferent attitude of the Indian government.  

Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib in Nankana Sahib

He also shared his memories related to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, where he used to play during his childhood days. He said Baba Nanak is equally respected by Muslims. He asked the Sikhs to read their glorious history and feel proud of it.

The PSGPC president Satwant Singh said the Indian government could not weaken the Sikhs by imposing a ban on them and restricted their religious freedom. He said it should respect their religious sentiments.

Sangat during the function at Nankana Sahib

Notably, the Sikh sangat traveled from Sindh, North Eastern Frontier Province, Peshawar, and other parts of Pakistan to Nankana Sahib to pay tribute to the martyrs. 

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