AMRITSAR: Bishan Singh, a senior leader of Pakistani Sikhs has appealed to Giani Harpreet Singh Jathedar of Akal Takht to take initiative to resolve the Nanakshahi Calendar dispute so that Sikhs at home and abroad can celebrate their day in unison.
In a statement Bishan Singh said that every year there is a controversy over the date of Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom due to the calendar revised by the Shormani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the dates of the original Nanakshahi calendar implemented by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. The SGPC refuses to send a contingent to Pakistan to commemorate the day.
He said that they were in favor of the original Nanakshahi calendar and requested the Jathedar during his visit to Pakistan in the years 2019 and 2020 to resolve this issue. Jathedar had assured us that we would resolve the calendar issue soon. But so far the matter is a matter was not resolved.
Bishan Singh said that they would also cooperate with SGPC in observing the day of martyrdom according to the original calendar.
He said that although Sikhs were a minority in Pakistan but Pakistani Sikhs are dedicated to five Takhts including Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He appealed to Giani Harpreet Singh Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht and SGOC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami That they should ensure the presence of Indian Sangat during the ceremonies to be held at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib Lahore on the occasion of Guru Arjan Sahib's martyrdom day.