Akali Dal slams Pakistan's attempt to convert Lahore gurudwara, demands MEA's intervention

Shiromani Akali Dal (S) chief Sukhbir Bal on Tuesday strongly condemned reported attempts to convert a Gurdwara in Pakistan's Lahore into a mosque. He urged Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up issue with Pakistan government to ensure that character of holy shrine was t changed in any manner whatsoever.

Akali Dal wants 'clear cut assurance' from Pak

In a statement, S president said reports emanating from Pakistan indicated that constant efforts were being me to "convert 18th-century shrine of Bhai Taru Singh into a mosque." Dubbing it as reprehensible, Bal said a "clear cut assurance" should be taken from Pakistan government that such acts would t be allowed.

He also sought strict action against perpetrators behind it. Bal requested Jaishankar to take up issue of safety of all Sikh and Hindu religious shrines in Pakistan at highest level. He said Pakistan government should also ensure that Sikhs and Hindus do t face any impediments in observing tenets of ir faith. 

Condemning news, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh also urged External Affairs Minister to convey a strong objection to Pakistan about incident and has asked Minister to tell Pakistani ministration to safeguard all Sikh places in ir country. 

India lodges protest with Pakistan

India on Monday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan High Commission over reports of attempts being me to convert a  gurudwara at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore into a mosque. "A strong protest was lodged with Pakistan High Commission today on reported incident whereby Gurdwara ‘Shahidi Asthan’, site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh Ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being me to convert it to a mosque," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

RE | Mumbai: 57% slum and 16% n-slum residents exposed to COVID reveals BMC serosurvey study

RE | BJP slams Owaisi's 'constant politicisation' over Mandir as he opposes PM's Ayodhya visit

He said India expressed its concerns, in strongest terms, on incident and called upon Pakistan to investigate matter and take immediate remedial measures. "Pakistan was also called upon to look after safety, security, well-being of its mirity communities including protection of ir religious rights and cultural herit," Srivastava said, responding to a query on matter.

He ded Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan Bhai Taru Ji is a historical gurdwara where Bhai Taru Ji me supreme sacrifice in 1745. " gurdwara is a place of reverence and considered sacred by Sikh community. This incident has been viewed with grave concern in India. re have been calls for justice for mirity Sikh community in Pakistan," he ded.

RE | Sushant Singh's far files complaint, Kangana Ranaut questions Rhea & Bollywood lobby

RE | Punjab CM appeals to EAM against Pakistan's attempt to convert Lahore Gurudwara to mosque

(With ncy inputs)