India protests attempts to convert historic gurudwara into mosque in Pakistan's Lahore
New Delhi/IBNS: India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan High Commission against attempts of converting Gurdwara ‘Shahidi Asthan’ in Lahore into a mosque.
Gurdwara ‘Shahidi Asthan’ is the site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan.
In response to a media query regarding the Gurdwara, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission today on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara ‘Shahidi Asthan’, site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it to a mosque."
Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan Bhai Taru Ji is a historical gurdwara where Bhai Taru Ji made supreme sacrifice in 1745.
The Gurdwara is a place of reverence and considered sacred by the Sikh community.
This incident has been viewed with grave concern in India, Srivastava said.
"There have been calls for justice for the minority Sikh community in Pakistan," the spokesperson said, adding that India has expressed its concerns in the "strongest terms" and called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures.
"Pakistan was also called upon to look after the safety, security, well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage," Srivastava added.
(IMAGE: FB screenshot of Save Historical Places of Pakistan)
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