The 186th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the iconic "Sher-e-Punjab" (Lion of Punjab), was observed with reverence and solemnity at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. However, the absence of Sikh pilgrims from India cast a shadow over the commemorations, as Indian authorities denied permission for the delegation to travel to Pakistan, despite official invitations from Islamabad.
Religious freedom advocates and Sikh leaders have strongly condemned the Indian government's decision, calling it another instance of New Delhi's discriminatory policiesthis time targeting the Sikh community. The ongoing closure of borders due to strained India-Pakistan relations, combined with what many describe as the Modi administration's sectarian intolerance, was described as deeply regrettable by Sikh representatives.
The main commemorative event took place at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's samadhi (mausoleum) within the historic precincts of Gurdwara Dera Sahib. A large number of Sikh devotees from across Pakistan gathered to pay tribute to the legendary ruler who is widely revered for founding the Sikh Empire and for his commitment to religious pluralism.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, Chairman of the ETPB, paid rich tribute to Singh and denounced India's move to block Sikh pilgrims from attending.
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