‘War devours the innocent': Akal Takht Jathedar condemns attack in Poonch, urges peace between India and Pakistan
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has condemned the shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch in which Sikh community members were killed and the wall of a gurdwara was damaged on Wednesday.
'The attack on Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha and the loss of Sikh lives is not just an event—it is a blow to humanity,' he said. Calling for diplomatic efforts, Jathedar Gargaj urged both India and Pakistan to reduce tensions. 'Both governments must act with wisdom, not weapons,' he added.
Official sources said that at least 10 civilians were killed and 40 were injured, mostly in Jammu 's Poonch sector, as Pakistani troops resorted to heavy shelling across the Line of Control in response to India's Operation Sindoor. A large number of houses were damaged or caught fire in the cross-border shelling, forcing hundreds of residents to flee to safer areas.
The deceased in Poonch included Bhai Amreek Singh, soldier Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh, a shopkeeper. A Sikh woman, Bibi Ruby Kaur, also lost her life in the Manakot area.
'Since 1947, this conflict has caused suffering, including to Hindus and Sikhs near the border. How many more must pay for a conflict they did not create?' Gargaj said that the longer the region remains in conflict, the more it will harm its people. 'War always devours the innocent… Peace is not weakness—it is the strength we must summon.'
'This violence has taken lives from our community,' Jathedar Gargaj said, adding, 'Amreek Singh served through kirtan, Amarjeet Singh defended the borders, and Ranjit Singh was a tradesman. Their lives should not have ended like this.' He called for prayers (ardas) for their souls and for their families to gain strength.
Addressing the people of the border areas, Jathedar Gurgajj asked for support and faith. 'Support one another. Take shelter in Gurbani. Stay firm. Pray for peace,' the Jathedar said.
After the shelling by Pakistan, many families in Poonch have begun fleeing toward Jammu, seeking safety amid fears of further violence.
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