SGPC Organises Religious Gathering to Honor Paonta Sahib Martyrs

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) organised a Gurmat Samagam at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall to commemorate the martyrdom of 11 Singhs of Misal Shaheedan Tarna Dal who lost their lives during the 1964 Sri Paonta Sahib incident in Himachal Pradesh. The incident took place during the movement to free the management of Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib from the control of Mahants. The event was attended by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, eyewitness to the incident and head of Misal Shaheedan Tarna Dal Baba Nihal Singh Hariyan Velan Wale, along with several prominent personalities and a large number of devotees. Following the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, the Hazoori Ragi Jatha of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib led by Bhai Jagtar Singh Khalsa performed Gurbani Kirtan. The Ardas was offered by Bhai Prem Singh, while the holy Hukamnama was recited to the congregation by Kathavachak Bhai Harmittar Singh. Addressing the gathering, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the Nihang organisation Misal Shaheedan Tarna Dal has always played a leading role in Panthic affairs. He said the sacrifices made by the Singhs to free the management of Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib from self-styled Mahants can never be forgotten by the Sikh community. Dhami further said that the Sikh community, which always works for the welfare of all, has repeatedly suffered deep wounds due to actions taken by governments over time. Referring specially to Baba Nihal Singh Hariyan Velan Wale, he described him as a respected Panthic personality honoured with the title of “Living Martyr” by the community for his continuous efforts towards Panthic unity. During the programme, Baba Nihal Singh Hariyan Velan Wale said that Sikhs have always drawn strength from the Guru’s teachings to fight against injustice and oppression. He added that the community has consistently made sacrifices to uphold Gurmat principles and preserve Panthic traditions within Gurdwaras. He also stated that the responsibility of taking over the management of Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib was entrusted to the Singhs of Misal Shaheedan Tarna Dal by Guru Sahib. Baba Nihal Singh shared eyewitness accounts of the incident with the congregation and thanked the SGPC for deciding to commemorate the event every year at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall. On the occasion, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and other dignitaries also honoured Baba Nihal Singh Hariyan Velan Wale.