Islamabad: The Gurdwara Nankana Sahib was attacked by hundreds of Muslims in Pakistan today. People threw stones at the gurdwara and threatened that they would destroy it and build a mosque over it.
The violent mob was led by the family of Mohammad Hassan, who had abducted the daughter of gurdwara’s granthi. Her name is Jagjit Kaur.
When the mob attacked the gurdwara, many devotees were stranded in the building. The brother of Mohammad Hassan also threatened that no Sikhs will be left in the city and that the name of the place would be changed from Nankana Sahib to Ghulaman-e-Mustafa.
India was quick to condemn the act of violence against the minority Sikh community in Pakistan. The External Affairs Ministry statement said, “We are concerned at the vandalism carried out at the revered Nankana Sahib Gurdwara (in Pakistan) today. Members of the minority Sikh community have been subjected to acts of violence in the holy city of Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji.”
The statement added, “India strongly condemns these wanton acts of destruction and desecration of the holy place. We call upon the Government of Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of the members of the Sikh community.”
Meanwhile the Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh and Shiromani Akali Dal President, Sukbhir Singh Badal, raised concerns and demanded the intervention of the Prime Minister of both India and Pakistan.
Though the situation is now under control the Sikh community in the region is scared and fears such an attack might occur again.