Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Governor Kataria meets Jathedar Gargaj; key issues raised on martyrdom commemoration, police encounters and desecration laws
Babushahi Bureau
Sri Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), July 11, 2025:Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria met with Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, during his visit to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sri Sisganj Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
In a detailed meeting held at the Jathedar’s residence, several significant concerns were raised, including the 350th martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Ji, increasing police encounters in Punjab, demands for a special law against desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, forced evictions of poor families near Mattewara forest, environmental concerns over a proposed paper mill near Chamkaur Sahib, and the issue of religious conversions.
Jathedar Gargajj emphasized the need for national and international commemorations of Guru Teg Bahadar Ji’s sacrifice, highlighting his contribution to human rights and religious freedom.
He urged the Punjab and Union governments to collaborate with the SGPC for dignified global observanceThe Jathedar also called for a strict, separate legal provision to address desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, citing its unique status as a living Guru in Sikhism.
Expressing concern over a spate of police encounters in the state, he questioned the repetitive narratives around these incidents and stressed that justice must be delivered through courts, not by extrajudicial means.
He further opposed the eviction of poor families settled near the Mattewara forest, terming it a violation of human rights, and objected to the construction of a paper mill near the sacred site of Chamkaur Sahib, warning of potential environmental harm.
On the matter of religious conversions, Jathedar Gargajj called for vigilance and awareness to prevent conversions by inducement, fear, or deception and encouraged efforts to bring back misled families through dialogue and understanding.
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The Governor was honored with a siropao, shawl, and a portrait of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by Jathedar Gargajj and SGPC member Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla.The Jathedar later told the media that the discussion was held in a positive spirit and that the Governor had assured necessary action on the concerns raised.
Present during the meeting were Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Manager Gurdeep Singh Kang, Additional Manager Hardev Singh, and Information Officer Harpreet Singh.