Sri Anandpur Sahib- Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today paid obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sri Sisganj Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib. During his visit, the Governor held a special meeting with Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, at his official residence here. On this occasion, Governor Shri Kataria was honoured with Siropao, shawl and a photo of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, by Jathedar Gargajj and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla.
In this meeting, Jathedar Gargajj raised before the Governor several important matters including the 350th martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar, the demand for stricter laws against desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other Granths, environmental concerns over a proposed paper mill near Chamkaur Sahib, the eviction of poor families near Mattewara forest, rising police encounters in Punjab and religious conversions.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that the discussion with the Governor Punjab was held in a positive atmosphere. The Governor attentively listened to all the concerns raised and assured appropriate action.
The Jathedar emphasized that the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar should be commemorated nationwide and globally to reflect the Guru’s principles of human rights and religious freedom. He proposed that both the Punjab and Centre Governments should organize the commemorations in collaboration with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which is Central Sikh organization that represents the community and upholds Sikh traditions, maryada (conduct) and principles.
Jathedar Gargajj also raised objections to the proposed construction of a paper factory near Sri Chamkaur Sahib, saying it poses a serious environmental threat near the sacred martyrdom site of the elder Sahibzadas. The Jathedar warned that the pollution caused by this factory will harm public health and damage Punjab’s environment, air, and water.
Another issue brought up was the government’s eviction drive against impoverished families living near the Mattewara forest. The Jathedar noted that these families have lived there for decades and displacing them would violate human rights and the humanitarian spirit of Punjab.
Jathedar Gargajj also urged the Governor to support the formulation of strict laws specifically addressing desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He said that while all religious Granths deserve respect, Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds the status of a living Guru for Sikhs, and therefore demands special legal protection and stringent punishment for acts of desecration in case of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He added that Sikhs must also ensure constant vigilance in gurdwaras to protect the incidents of desecration.
Addressing the issue of police encounters, Jathedar Gargajj pointed out that several incidents in the past seven months followed a suspiciously similar narrative: suspects allegedly opened fire when taken to recover weapons and were killed in retaliation. He stressed that punishment should be the prerogative of courts, not police. He said although the murder of Abohar based businessman brother is extremely tragic, but law and order is the responsibility of the state government. He said a former Akali Sarpanch has also been killed in Amritsar. He said that the cases of police encounter should stop and the courts shall punish the culprits. Referring to the recent killings of two youths in connection with the Abohar murder case, the Jathedar said that their families have termed the alleged encounter as “fake” and are seeking justice. “The truth will come out in time, ” he said, “but such practices of encounters must be curbed. Punjab should not become a police state.”
The issue of religious conversion was also discussed. The Jathedar said that conversions through inducements, fear, deception, or false miracles are unacceptable. He stressed the need for efforts to lovingly bring back those families who have been misled into changing their faith.
Present on this occasion included manager of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Gurdeep Singh Kang, additional manager Hardev Singh, information officer Harpreet Singh and others.