Sikh Temple in Pakistan suffers a terrorist attack

Gurdwara Janam Asthan. (Kohinoor Archive Videos/Google Images)

Written By: Kuwarjeet Singh Arora 

On Jan. 3, hundreds of Muslim residents of Nankana Sahib pelted stones on the Gurdwara, led by Imran Chishti. Mohammad Hassan, the son of Chisti, allegedly abducted and converted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of Nankana Sahib’s head priest (caretaker of the Sikh holy book) .

Breaking his silence on the incident, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday condemned the recent incident of vandalism at Nankana Sahib, saying it goes against his "vision" and the government will show "zero tolerance" against those involved in it as it’s terrorism. 

Imran Chishti, the cleric involved in inciting violence against Sikhs in Nankana Sahib, was arrested today and charged with terrorism. He has pled guilty to all charges.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada President Tejinder Singh Sidhu said today, “we are deeply saddened by the attack on Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib today.  It is unacceptable that a mob could besiege the gurdwara, and brazenly make threats against the Sikh community.” 

The WSO is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs.

“Gurdwara Janam Asthan holds a special place in the hearts of all Sikhs and to hear that it was pelted with stones is heartbreaking.” said Sidhu.  

Gurdwara Janam Asthan is the birthplace of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak.

He expressed his frustration with Pakistani law enforcement, questioning “why law enforcement did not intervene to lift the siege of the Gurdwara in a timely manner.”

“The Government of Pakistan must ensure that members of minority communities are protected from intimidating behaviour and violence. Those responsible for today’s violence must be held accountable for their actions under the law.  We will continue to monitor this situation as it develops,” said Sidhu.