Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj writes to Pakistan Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. seeks protection of Sikh heritage sites
The Jathedar suggested that any ongoing construction or changes at the site should be stopped until the investigation is completed.
PTC News Desk: Sri Akal Takht Sahib acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has written a letter to Punjab Chief Maryam Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, seeking protection and preservation of Sikh heritage sites in Lahore’s walled city.
In the letter, Jathedar Gadgaj specifically called for an inspection of the current condition of ‘Lal Khooh, Khatri Chandu’, a site associated with the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
A copy of the letter was also sent to Ramesh Singh Arora, a provincial minister in the Punjab government and president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
In the letter written on Tuesday, Jathedar Gadgaj said the purpose was not to accuse any government, organisation or individual. Instead, he wanted to draw attention to Lahore’s shared historical heritage and sites linked to important chapters of Sikh history.
He said several historical sites have either disappeared or lost their original form over the years due to urban development, the Partition of Punjab and other historical circumstances. He stressed that protecting the remaining heritage sites is therefore important.
The letter said concerns about the Lal Khooh, Khatri Chandu site had been brought to the attention of Sri Akal Takht Sahib by members of the Sikh community. There are concerns that construction or other changes may be taking place around the site.
Jathedar Gadgaj called for an official investigation based on verified facts rather than assumptions.
The Jathedar suggested that any ongoing construction or changes at the site should be stopped until the investigation is completed.
He also called for the site’s historical and heritage importance to be examined by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, Archaeology Department and relevant experts.
He further suggested including Sikh history experts and representatives of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in the assessment.
Comprehensive survey of heritage sites
The letter also called for a detailed heritage survey of important Sikh historical sites in Lahore’s walled city.
The survey should document their current condition, historical importance, ownership and legal status.
Jathedar Gadgaj expressed hope that the Punjab government in Pakistan would take the necessary action and share the findings with the Sikh community, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.