Pakistan Gurdwara honouring Sikh martyr converted into mosque

A Gurdwara commemorating a Sikh martyr in Pakistan has been converted into a mosque, according to local reports.

The Gurdwara in Naulakha Bazaar, Lahore, commemorated the shaheedi, or martyrdom, of revered Sikh saint Bhai Taru Singh Ji. Bhai Taru Singh Ji was executed in 1745 for refusing to convert to Islam by the oppressive Mughal regime.

He famously chose to have his scalp removed, rather than have his hair cut or accept conversion to Islam, under the order of the tyrannical of governor Zakaria Khan.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, posted a video on Twitter of explaining how the Gurdwara is now being claimed as Masjid Shahid Ganj. He labelled the move “another injustice with Sikhs in Pakistan” and criticised “mischievous extremist elements in Pakistan who refuse to honour history.”

Another injustice with Sikhs in Pakistan- Shaheedi Sthan of Bhai Taru Singh Ji is now claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj

Sikhs even when they are the most humanitarian community are called Goonda by mischievous extremist elements in Pak who refuse to honour History pic.twitter.com/TZqCOXL4BE

— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) July 26, 2020

The move has caused outcry among the global Sikh community and intensified relations between the Sikh and Pakistani-Muslim community, with many taking to social media to share their disgust and disappointment.

The anti Sikh bigotry of these Islamists is made apparent by their constant references to "sikhray".
Taru Singh was a Sikh farmer who was executed in Lahore in 1745 for refusing to convert to Islam.
The building bulit in his memory is now occupied and being claimed as a mosque. https://t.co/9BwBuC30h5 pic.twitter.com/TmoeGcmIMk

— ਸ੍ਰੀਖੜਗਕੇਤੁ (@Kharagket) July 26, 2020

The illegal occupation of the shrine of Bhai Taru Singh and its conversion into a mosque are totally unacceptable and must be met with a vigorous response by both Indian and Diaspora Sikhs. Every Pakistani embassy must face protests until this outrage is righted.

— RedTurbanRebellion (@TurbanRed) July 26, 2020

Meanwhile, nationalists in India have used to incident to validate the introduction of India’s CAA law which offers amnesty to non-Muslims living in Muslim countries near India.

This is the answer why #CAA is needed. It's not just an act but access of life for persecuted minorities.

— S G Gadhavi (@SGGadhavi1) July 26, 2020

Sirsa g please tag anti CAA supporters also specially from canada and UK. Let us know what those hypocrites have to say !

— Bharat Singh Walia ???????? ੴ (@bharatwalia789) July 26, 2020

Sikh PA has learned of local rumours that a delegation from political party the Shiromani Akali Dal intends to meet Pakistan’s External Affairs Ministry officials today in connection with the incident.