AAP MP Malvinder Kang writes letters to PM, HM and Meghalaya CM to stop the demolition of Gurdwara in Shillong

Chandigarh, September 27, 2024: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab leader and MP Malvinder Singh Kang (Anandpur Sahib) has written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, urging them to stop the demolition of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Shillong.

The Meghalaya government has recommended the demolition of the 200-year-old Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar (established in 1874), located in the Punjabi Colony in Bara Bazar, Shillong, along with other religious sites in the area. This recommendation has caused widespread resentment and anguish among the Sikh community residing in Shillong and beyond.

In his letter to PM Modi, Kang emphasized that Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the deep historical and cultural ties the Sikh community has shared with the region for generations. Its demolition would hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs and erode a part of our shared national heritage. The Sikh community has significantly contributed to the growth and progress of Shillong, and their religious and cultural sites deserve protection and preservation. Kang urged the Prime Minister to intervene immediately to prevent the demolition of this historic Gurdwara Sahib, stating that the government has a duty to uphold the religious sentiments of all communities and ensure the protection of places of worship.

In his letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Kang noted that the demolition of this Gurdwara would erase a vital part of our heritage and deeply wound the religious sentiments of the Sikh community nationwide. He highlighted that the Sikh residents of Punjabi Lane possess land title deeds dating back to 1863, validating their legal claim to the land. He added that the Sikh community across India has a deep emotional and spiritual connection with this Gurdwara. Any attempt to demolish it could lead to unrest and disturb the peace among a community that has always stood for harmony and unity in India. Kang called for exploring alternative solutions for urban development that do not involve the destruction of this sacred site and requested the Ministry of Home Affairs intervene to halt the demolition process.

Kang also reached out to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, appealing to him to stop the demolition. He acknowledged the importance of infrastructural and urban development but stressed that such projects should not undermine the religious sentiments and rights of minority communities. Kang urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the proposed course of action and find an amicable solution that safeguards the interests of the Sikh community. He emphasized the importance of treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves and expressed trust that Meghalaya, known for its diversity and communal harmony, will uphold its reputation by ensuring that no community's religious sentiments are disregarded.