NEW DELHI: India lodged a strong protest with the
Pakistan high commission on Monday over reports that a
gurdwara in Lahore is being converted into a mosque.
Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan, the site of martyrdom of
Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, has apparently been claimed as the location of Masjid Shahid Ganj. The MEA said Gurdwara Shahidi
Asthan Bhai Taru Ji is a historical gurdwara where Bhai Taru Ji made the “supreme sacrifice” in 1745.
The gurdwara is a place of reverence for Sikhs. “This incident has been viewed with grave concern in India. There have been calls for justice for the minority
Sikh community in Pakistan,” said MEA spokesperson
Anurag Srivastava. India expressed its concerns in strongest terms, he said.
Investigate, take remedial measures, India tells PakistanThe government said India has called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures. “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,” said the official.