Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh Sunday asked members of the Sikh community to not migrate from Punjab. He made the appeal while addressing a gathering held in memory of the victims of Partition. An ‘ardas’ (prayer) was performed at the zero line between India and Pakistan near Dera Baba Nanak from where Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan can be seen with the naked eye. Speaking on the occasion, Giani Harpreet Singh said, “Over 500 gurdwaras were separated from us during Partition. The Sikh community had to give away 67 lakh acres of land in West Punjab, against only 47 lakh acres of land available in East Punjab. Out of 43 lakh acres of land considered fertile, we got only 13 lakh acres… Despite this, Sikhs have prospered through hard work and Guru Sahib’s blessings. Now, Punjab’s children are leaving Punjab, which is a significant loss for us.” He further said, “No matter where you do business in the world, do not leave Punjab. Along with doing business worldwide, help your fellow Punjabis. Sikhs worldwide should visit the gurdwaras in Pakistan.” During the event, Gangveer Singh Rathur of Alami Punjabi Sangat said, “India and Pakistan should not make Punjab on both sides a ground for their war practices. Punjab should be spared from the hatred between India and Pakistan, and there should be cultural and trade exchange between the two Punjabs.” Sukhdev Singh Bhagwara, a representative of the Alliance of Sikh Organizations, said ‘hatred’ generated during Partition still persists. He emphasized that the opening of the border between India and Pakistan would lead to the easing of trade and movement, benefiting Punjabi traders, youth, and farmers. Amarinder Singh from the United Sikh Students highlighted the need to heal the ‘wounds’ inflicted on Punjab during Partition. Former SAD MLA Gurpratap Wadala said his father, Kuldeep Singh Wadala, was the first to make efforts to open the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. He added that passports should not be compulsory for those visiting Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The tradition of organising an ardas to pay homage to Partition victims started in 2017, on the 70th anniversary of the historic event. The initiative aims to create better relations between East Punjab and West Punjab.
