ETPB rejects social media claims of Gurdwara Singh Sabha demolition in Sheikhupura

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on Friday rejected reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged demolition of Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Sheikhupura, clarifying that the historic gurdwara remains intact and has not been damaged.

In a clarification, the board said the demolition activity was limited to two shops adjacent to the inactive Gurdwara Singh Sabha, where tenants had started tearing down the structures without obtaining prior approval from the ETPB.

According to the board, district officials intervened immediately after receiving information about the unauthorised work on June 24, halted the demolition, sealed the site and initiated legal proceedings against those responsible.

The ETPB stated that the original historic gurdwara has remained fully protected and was not affected in any way. It added that although the Municipal Committee Sheikhupura had declared the shops structurally unsafe, any repair, alteration or demolition of properties under the board's control requires prior approval, which had not been obtained by the tenants.

The board said show-cause notices had been issued to the tenants, their tenancy had been cancelled and possession of the property had been taken back.

The statement further said that a delegation of the Sikh community, led by Sardar Palwinder Singh, visited the site on June 26 and expressed satisfaction over the board's prompt action. Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also visited the site with district administration officials on June 30.

The ETPB reiterated its commitment to preserving religious heritage and said strict legal action would continue against any unauthorised demolition, alteration or encroachment on properties under its custody.