Indian Sikhs demand of Pak govt to make all gurudwaras functional

Lahore, June 9 : A delegation of Indian Sikhs visiting Pakistan has reportedly demanded of the Pakistan government to make all gurudwaras in the country functional, give more authority to the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Perbhandak Committee (PSGPC), and open visa sections in Lahore and Amritser to ease travel for the Sikhs.

Hundreds of gurdwaras were non-functional in Pakistan, said Raghbir Singh Saharnmajra, a Shrumani Gurdwara Perbhandak Committee (SGPC) member who is leading the delegation.

"Caretakers and sewadars should be appointed at gurdwaras at far-flung areas to bring them into the mainstream," the Daily Times quoted him as saying while talking to reporters at the Wagha Railway Station.

Land should be provided to build a 400-room complex to house visiting pilgrims in Lahore, he said and added: "We have been demanding the Pakistan government for land for the past two years." He further said that the SGPC would bear the cost of the building.

The SGPC was the supreme body of Sikhs all over the world, he said added: "We want to see PSGPC as the most powerful and independent representative committee of Sikhs in Pakistan."

Praising the PSGPC for renovating the gurdwaras in Pakistan, he said that PSGPC members should be chosen through elections and legislation should be made in the regard. In India SGPC members were elected through an act of parliament and a similar process should be followed in Pakistan, he added.

"Visa sections should be opened in Lahore and Amritsar to ease travel between the two countries," he said.

ANI