Shillong witnessed a solemn and well-attended commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Purab of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Saheb Ji, on December 14, as announced by Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Shillong. The observance brought together the Sikh Sangat of Shillong along with devotees and representatives from across Meghalaya and other Northeastern states.
The programme was led by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj Ji, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs. His presence drew significant participation from Sikh organisations and community members from across the region.
Representatives of the Sikh Pratinidhi Board, Eastern Zone (Dhubri Sahib), including its president and board members, attended the programme, along with members of various Sikh organisations from the Northeast. Senior Sikh leaders, including S. Jagdip Singh Kahlon, General Secretary of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), were also present.
The commemoration focused on recalling the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who attained martyrdom in 1675 while upholding the principles of freedom of conscience, human dignity, and the right to practise one’s faith, values that continue to hold relevance in contemporary society.
During his visit to Shillong, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj Ji addressed concerns regarding the proposed eviction of Sikhs from Punjabi Lane, assuring the community of full support from the Akal Takht. He emphasised that safeguarding the rights of minority communities remains a fundamental responsibility of any government.
He stated that any move to demolish the house of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Punjabi Lane and displace Sikh residents would constitute a serious injustice. Reaffirming solidarity, he asserted that the Akal Takht and the global Sikh community stand firmly with the Sikhs residing in the area.
Giani Gargaj further noted that the Sikh community has historically played a leading role whenever the nation’s security was at stake, and therefore it is incumbent upon governments to ensure that Sikhs across the country are protected from oppression and injustice.
During the event, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai met the Acting Jathedar at the office of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Shillong. Giani Gargaj urged the minister to extend support to the Sikhs of Punjabi Lane and to stand with them during this challenging period.
Meanwhile, S. Gurjit Singh, President of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Shillong, invited members of the Sikh Sangat and representatives of other faiths to participate in the commemoration. The organisers appealed to devotees from Meghalaya and the wider Northeast to attend the programme in large numbers.
