Saturday, March 29, 2025
Attack on Gurudwara in Poonch Condemned by Akal Takht Acting Jathedar
Attack on Gurudwara in Poonch sparks outrage as civilians and Gursikhs killed amid Indo-Pak tensions
Poonch, J&K – May 7, 2025:
The Attack on Gurudwara in Poonch has drawn strong condemnation from Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, the officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, following a series of deadly cross-border shelling incidents in the region. The violence, a result of escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, has claimed several civilian lives, including members of the Sikh community.
In his statement, Jathedar Gargajj decried the Pakistani shelling that struck the revered Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch during what is being reported as retaliatory fire after India’s Operation Sindoor. The attack damaged part of the Gurudwara structure, raising alarms about the targeting of religious institutions during military exchanges.
Tragically, three Gursikhs lost their lives in the shelling. Among them were Bhai Amrik Singh, a respected raagi (devotional singer); Bhai Amarjeet Singh, a retired Indian Army soldier; and Bhai Ranjit Singh, a well-known local shopkeeper. The Sikh community mourns their loss deeply, viewing them as martyrs in a conflict not of their making.
Reports also confirm that Ruby Kaur, a Sikh woman residing in the Mankote area of Poonch, was among the civilian casualties. Additional civilian deaths have surfaced as the situation remains tense and volatile.
“This is not just an attack on civilians, but also an assault on our religious sanctity,” said Jathedar Gargajj. He called for international attention and immediate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of civilians, especially those residing in border areas.
The District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee earlier confirmed structural damage to the Gurudwara, expressing alarm over the repeated shelling incidents in the area.
As tensions along the Line of Control intensify, authorities have increased surveillance and deployed emergency relief for affected residents. Meanwhile, appeals for peace and restraint are growing louder across the country.
