Amritsar, Punjab (November 19, 2013): As per information a religious procession led by Panthic Sewa Lehar chief Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal and others has left for Haridwar, Uttrakhand to celebrate the Parkash Gurpurb of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji at the place of Gurdwara Gyan Godri.
It is notable that Gurdwara Gyan Godri was a historic Sikh shrine at Haridwara that marked the memory of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s visit to the place and signified the rejection of superstitious rituals by Guru Sahib. The Gurdwara Sahib was destroyed during November 1984 genocidal violence against the Sikhs.
After performing an ardas at Akal Takht Sahib on November 18, 2013 Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal announced to launch a massive agitation against Uttarakhand government if it didn’t allow reconstruction of historical Gurdwara Gyan Godhri at its original place i.e Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar
As per media reports the procession that left for Haridwar comprised nearly 2,000 Sikhs. They left for Gurdwara Gyan Godhri after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple and Akal Takht to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
While talking to media persons at Amritsar, Baba Baljeet Singh Daduwal said: “[w]e will celebrate Gurpurb in an open space near the demolished gurdwara and if Uttarakhand government tries to stop us, we will call for an international mass movement of Sikhs for reconstruction of the historical shrine”. He said it was unfortunate that after demolition of the old gurdwara structure, Uttarakhand government had constructed shops, market and toilets at the site.
It is notable that on November 28, 2012, the Uttarakhand government had arrested around 700 Sikhs when they had tried to celebrate Gurpurb at Haridwar, citing law and order situation. It may be recalled that in 2012 the Haridwar administration had banned entry of Sikhs in wake of Fateh Yatra.
“This year, we are celebrating Gurpurb two days after the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, so Uttarakhand police should not have any such complaint. We will celebrate peacefully” Baba Daduwal reportedly said.
The procession was scheduled to stay overnight at Gurdwara Poanta Sahib on Nov. 18 and would move from there at 9 am on Nov. 19.
The organizers of the procession have plans to perform kirtan for two hours at the site of the Gurdwara Sahib and serve langar.
It is notable that the Sikhs had given a memorandum to Uttarakhand governor on January 10, 2012, demanding rebuilding of the Gurdwara Gyan Godri but the Haridwar administration is not allowing the reconstruction of Gurdwara.