Paramjit Sarna condemns killing of Sikh caretaker couple in Pakistan, seeks enhanced security of Gurudwaras
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, June 19,2026: Delhi Akali chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has strongly condemned the killing of a Sikh caretaker couple at a gurdwara in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and urged both provincial and federal authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of gurdwara caretakers and religious minorities across the country.
Expressing grief over the deaths of Jagannath and his wife Asa Wanti, who were serving as caretakers at Gurdwara Babu Mohalla in Mardan district, Sarna described the incident as deeply disturbing and said it had caused anguish among Sikhs worldwide.
The couple were shot dead inside the gurdwara premises earlier this week. Pakistani authorities have since arrested a suspect and launched an investigation into the killings.
Sarna said that those entrusted with the care and upkeep of historic Sikh shrines should be able to perform their duties without fear. He noted that the attack had raised serious concerns about the security of gurdwara sewadars and caretakers, particularly at sites located away from major urban centres.
“The sanctity of places of worship must be protected at all costs. The murder of a caretaker couple within the precincts of a gurdwara has shocked the Sikh community across the world,” Sarna said.
He called upon the Government of Pakistan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration and law-enforcement agencies to ensure a transparent investigation, bring all those responsible to justice and strengthen security arrangements at gurdwaras and other places of worship frequented by religious minorities.
Sarna further urged authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of security measures at historic Sikh shrines throughout Pakistan and provide adequate protection to caretakers, granthis and sewadars serving at these sites.