“SGPC Appeals to Meghalaya Government to Prevent Demolition of Historic Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Shillong”
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) recently intervened in a matter of great importance concerning the Sikh community in Shillong. On Wednesday, a delegation from the SGPC met with Donald Phillips Wahlang, the chief secretary of the Meghalaya government, to address the impending demolition of the 200-year-old Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara located in Punjabi Colony, Bara Bazar. The gurdwara, which holds historical and religious significance for Sikhs, was under threat after a high-level committee of the Meghalaya government recommended its demolition along with other religious sites in the area.
This recommendation has sparked outrage within the Sikh community in Shillong and across India. The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of the longstanding Sikh presence in Shillong, a city where Sikhs have lived for generations, contributing to its cultural and social fabric. The gurdwara has served as a place of faith, community, and refuge for the Sikh population and others in the area. Hence, the potential demolition of this historical site has stirred deep emotions within the community, leading to an appeal for intervention.
Gurjit Singh, the president of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, had recently approached the SGPC and Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, to seek help in halting the demolition. His plea outlined the high-level committee’s decision, which targeted the gurdwara and other religious establishments in the Punjabi Colony, raising concerns about the protection of religious sites and the potential erosion of Sikh heritage in the region. In response, the SGPC, under the leadership of its president Harjinder Singh Dhami, acted swiftly to address the issue.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami sent a delegation to Shillong to hold talks with the Meghalaya government. The delegation included SGPC general secretary Rajinder Singh Mehta, SGPC member Bhagwant Singh Sialka, and additional secretary Gurinder Singh Mathrewal. Their primary mission was to ensure that the gurdwara is protected and that the demolition proceedings are halted.
During the meeting with Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang, the SGPC delegation submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns. The memorandum emphasized the historical and religious significance of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, highlighting its 200-year-old legacy. It also conveyed the widespread resentment among the Sikh community, not only in Shillong but across India, regarding the government’s decision to demolish the gurdwara.
Rajinder Singh Mehta, SGPC general secretary, expressed hope that the Meghalaya government would act quickly to halt the demolition. He stated that the chief secretary had been made fully aware of the situation and that the demolition proceedings were expected to stop immediately. Mehta stressed that the government has a duty to protect the religious sentiments of all communities living in the state, including the Sikhs. The preservation of religious sites is a matter of deep importance for maintaining communal harmony and respecting the diversity of religious practices in India.
The issue extends beyond just the demolition of the gurdwara. The broader context of the situation involves the displacement of Sikh families living in Punjabi Lane in Shillong. The case of demolishing the houses of these Sikh families has been a long-standing issue, one that has remained unresolved for years. The SGPC delegation emphasized the need for the Meghalaya government to continue the negotiation process with local Sikh representatives to find a mutually acceptable solution. This solution should not only protect the housing rights of the local Sikh community but also ensure that their religious and cultural heritage is preserved.
The Save Shillong Sikhs organization, led by its convener Prof. Jagmohan Singh, has also been actively involved in the efforts to protect the gurdwara and the Sikh community’s rights in Shillong. Along with local Sikh representatives, Prof. Jagmohan Singh participated in the discussions with the Meghalaya government. Their involvement underscores the significance of the issue, which is not merely about the fate of a single building but about the larger concerns of minority rights, religious freedom, and the protection of cultural heritage.
The SGPC’s involvement in the matter has brought the issue to national attention, with Sikhs across India closely watching the developments in Shillong. The community’s response highlights the importance of safeguarding religious and cultural sites, especially those that have been integral to the identity of minority communities for generations. The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is more than just a religious structure; it represents the enduring presence of the Sikh community in the northeastern part of India, a region where they have contributed significantly to the social and economic fabric.
As the SGPC delegation continues its dialogue with the Meghalaya government, there is hope that a resolution can be reached that respects the sentiments of the Sikh community and protects the gurdwara from demolition. The coming days will be critical in determining the fate of the gurdwara and the broader Sikh presence in Shillong. The SGPC and other Sikh organizations remain vigilant, committed to ensuring that the rights and heritage of the Sikh community are upheld.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding the 200-year-old Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Shillong has brought to the forefront the critical issue of preserving religious and cultural heritage. With the SGPC stepping in to mediate, there is hope that a peaceful resolution will be reached, one that respects the religious sentiments of the Sikh community while ensuring their long-standing presence in Shillong is safeguarded for future generations.