Sahibzadas’ martyrdom to be marked in 768 districts across the country: BJP

Rai claimed that the BJP is the only party that has worked with sensitivity and resolve on issues related to Sikhism. He said, “The Kartarpur Corridor, integrating Sikh history into the education system, and celebrating the Prakash Purabs and Shaheedi Diwas of the Guru Sahiban on a large scale in India and abroad at both government and non-government levels, are living examples of this commitment.”

He said that the very Red Fort from where the order to sever the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur was announced has witnessed the celebration of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Prakash Purab and Shaheedi Diwas. Additionally, securing punishment for the guilty in the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom and providing compensation and government jobs to affected families in Delhi and Haryana stand proof of the sensitive approach of the BJP governments.

Sodhi said that special events will be organised in every district of Punjab on December 26 on the occasion of “Veer Bal Diwas”. These will include Shabad Kirtan and discourses on the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas in gurdwaras; seminars, lectures, and awareness programmes in schools and colleges; exhibitions related to the history of martyrdom; and the display of posters and banners. A large-scale outreach campaign will also be carried out with the participation of youth and all sections of society.

BJP lying on ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ recommendation: Manjit Singh GK

Ludhiana: Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh GK Tuesday said that BJP spokesman Pritpal Singh Baliawal was lying that he and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had recommended “Veer Bal Diwas” name for December 26th martyrdom day of Chotte Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh in the presence of former minister Smriti Irani and India TV owner Rajat Sharma. He said that there is not a single press release of DSGMC in this regard.

In a statement, he said that he had shared video link of the said seminar which makes it clear that SAD president Badal or he himself had never demanded to name day as ‘Veer Bal Diwas.’

GK said that the BJP leader is opposing directive of the acting jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj who had directed Sikh MPs to demand renaming of the day as “Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas” instead of “Veer Bal Diwas”.

He said that he will initiate legal action in the matter against the BJP leader. He also said that Giani Harpreet Singh who was the then acting jathedar of Akal Takht was seized of the matter and now he was trying to mislead sangat by posting misleading posts on social media.