Pakistani Sikhs slam PSGPC chief Ramesh Singh Arora over alleged failure to reopen Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh
PTC Web Desk: Pakistani Sikhs have flayed Ramesh Singh Arora, president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC), for allegedly failing to fulfil his commitment to reopen Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh in Lahore. The gurdwara has remained sealed since July 2020, following prolonged tensions stemming from a land dispute and religious friction with local radical groups.
The dispute dates back to 2001 when Muslim radicals claimed that the land on which Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh stands belongs to Peer Kaku Shah. Tensions intensified in 2006 when the site's caretaker claimed to have received a vision from Peer Kaku Shah, instructing that “kafirs” be barred from entering the premises. Since then, the gurdwara has been inaccessible to Sikh devotees, sparking resentment across the community.
When Ramesh Singh Arora assumed the PSGPC presidency in March 2024, he publicly pledged to unlock the gates of Bhai Taru Singh Gurdwara within a year. However, as July 2025 nears its end, no progress has been made.
Arora was notably absent during key religious observances, including the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on June 28, 2025, held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. Community members have criticised him for neglecting domestic issues while focusing on international events aimed at promoting the Pakistani government's minority rights narrative.
Sources reveal that Ramesh Singh Arora attended a dinner in the USA on February 2, hosted by Dr Jasdip Singh Jesse of Sikhs of America and Dr Sajid Tarar of Muslims of America. He also represented Pakistan at Pope Francis’ funeral in May and addressed Sikh gatherings in Milan. More recently, he participated in the 20th anniversary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs and the launch of the "Gurdwara Alliance UK" in London on July 2.
Community leaders are urging Arora to prioritise unresolved local issues, especially the reopening of Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh, which holds immense historical and spiritual significance for Sikhs.
- PTC NEWS
