Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 18: Shiromani Akali Dal, J&K unit president and senior DGPC Jammu Member Jathedar Mohinder Singh, DGPC Jammu Member and president Panthic Morcha (J&K), Avtar Singh Khalsa abnd other leaders of Sikh community today expressed strong resentment over the extensive damage caused to the statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore fort by some communal elements.
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Addressing a joint press conference here today, the Sikh leaders said that there was strong resentment among not only Sikh community but all the people in J&K and other parts of the country over the disrespect shown to the Sher-e-Punjab, the great king Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who during his rule treated people of all the communities equally. They said the act of the members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik is highly condemnable.
The DGPC members pointed out that the statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was unveiled at Lahore Fort during 2019. But within two years, the communal elements and fundamentalists vandalized the statue of Maharaja who had his great Empire from Punjab up to Afghanistan. During early nineteenth century. He captured Lahore 1799 and extended his kingdom up to Kabul and Gandhar. He was most secular king and never forced Sikhism on any member of the other community. In his empire, no one was subjected to discrimination on account of religion.
The Sikh leaders said hardly 12 days ago a mad crowed vandalized a large Hindu temple at Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan. Pakistani Government led by Imran Khan has failed to protect minorities in its country. Pakistani Government must ensure the safety and security of the minorities in Pakistan.
They demanded that those involved in the act of vandalizing statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh be arrested immediately and case be registered against them.
Prominent among those present in the conference included-Fateh Singh (DGPC Gen secy), Manmohan Singh, Ramneek Singh, Mohinder Singh (DGPC members), Balwant Singh, Rajinder Singh, Sanmukh Singh and others.
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