Amritsar- The ongoing dispute between Sikh groups regarding Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Yadgar Bhai Vir Singh in Gulmarg, Baramulla, was resolved today by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj.
The Jathedar had summoned representatives of both Sikh groups to the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, listened carefully to their views, and directed the Sikh Sangat to live together in harmony and mutual respect.
In connection with the misuse of the name of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding the renaming of the gurdwara by the Baramulla District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC), seven committee members submitted written apologies to the Jathedar. The committee president, Paramjit Singh, sought additional time to appear before the Akal Takht, citing urgent engagements abroad, while one committee member could not attend due to old age. Two members of the Baramulla DGPC who were part of the complainant side were also present.
Addressing the gathering in the light of Gurmat principles, the Jathedar guided Sikhs to avoid internal conflicts and instead unite to address pressing community issues, including the challenges facing the Gurmukhi Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir. He facilitated a consensus between the two Sikh groups, leading to the signing of a unanimously accepted agreement.
The agreement was read before the present Sangat and approved collectively with the raising of five traditional Sikh slogans (Jaikaras). It was also decided that a video recording of the proceedings would be made public.
Under the agreement, it was agreed that the name of the Gulmarg gurdwara will remain “Gurdwara Sahib Sri Guru Singh Sabha Yadgar Bhai Vir Singh” and will not be changed in the future. It was further decided that Rs 50 lakh donated by Mumbai-based Gurinder Singh Bawa toward the gurdwara building and deposited in the management committee’s account will be returned to him.
The agreement also noted that the gurdwara construction and development work is being carried out through kar sewa (voluntary service), and Sikh Sangat from Jammu and Kashmir as well as other regions should contribute generously to help complete the remaining work.
Both sides agreed that neither side would approach the courts over the issue, nor engage in allegations, social media posts, statements, or videos against each other. Instead, they pledged to work together in a spirit of brotherhood and serve the Guru’s house collectively.
The two groups also resolved to jointly address challenges confronting the Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir and to assist needy members of the Sikh community. Emphasizing Sikh unity, the agreement stated that all Sikhs are residents of Sri Anandpur Sahib in spirit and should live together as brothers in the Guru’s fold.