SGPC asks Indian govt to protect Sikh scriptures in Iran and Israel
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Amritsar: A day after TOI took up the issue of safety of the 'saroop' of Guru Granth Sahib and concerns of the Sikh community in conflict-ridden Iran, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Thursday appealed to the Centre to ensure safety of Sikh religious scriptures in Iran and Israel.
"Act without delay to ensure the protection of gurdwaras and the sacred saroops of Guru Granth Sahib in both the nations, given the ongoing war-like situation between Iran and Israel," SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said in his appeal to the Centre.
The SGPC president also asked members of the Sikh community residing in Iran and Israel to remain in contact with the local authorities and relevant officials to support efforts in safeguarding gurdwaras and the sacred saroops.
He said the SGPC was monitoring the situation and expects the central govt to respond with urgency and sensitivity.
Lajpal Singh, the former vice-president of the Tehran-based Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurdwara Management Committee, and Singh Chandok, a former resident of Tehran, expressed concern over the security of four 'saroops' currently placed in the 'sukhasan' of the gurdwara. They urged the Indian embassy in Tehran to provide a room in the embassy premises for the Sikh holy scriptures.
Lajpal Singh, said that in the past, the gurdwara management had moved 20 'saroops' including 16 'bridh' (elderly) 'saroop', to India.
In Iran, social activist and educationist Dr N A Soufi visited the Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Tehran on Thursday. He interacted with the caretakers and assured them of all possible support.
Soufi, who resides near the gurdwara, said he visited the premises and found everything to be in order.
"I interacted with an Iranian gardener, Abbas, and caretaker Harjit Singh. The building is safe and the Sikh holy scriptures are also secure within the premises," Soufi said.
Abbas, who was left behind after members of the Gurdwara management committee relocated to safer areas, confirmed that the gurdwara has not suffered any damage. He said that he continues to maintain the premises, keeping them clean, ensuring the plants are well-watered, and attending to other essential upkeep tasks.
Harjit Singh, who originally hails from Hoshiarpur and is also currently staying at the gurdwara, confirmed that the 'saroop' of Guru Granth Sahib was safe, and the gurdwara building remains unharmed. "There is no panic here," said he.
Tehran Gurdwara Safe: Caretaker
Social activist and educationist Dr N A Soufi visits Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Tehran, says the building is safe and Sikh holy scriptures secure
Caretaker confirms that the 'saroop' of Guru Granth Sahib is safe and the gurdwara building remains unharmed
Soufi feels situation in Iran is not as bad as portrayed by media, says just a small percentage of people have left Tehran, with majority still in the capital
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