Amritsar: SGPC Holds Memorial Service For Hardeep Singh Nijjar

In a controversial event held at Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) along with various Sikh organisations organised a memorial function to honour Khalistani sepratist leaders Avtar Singh Khanda and Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The function featured a Gurbani Kirtan performed by Bhai Jagrup Singh's Ragi Jathe, followed by a sermon delivered by Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Baljit Singh.

The event's highlight was the honour bestowed upon Charanjit Kaur, the mother of Avtar Singh, by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, who presented her with the Guru Bakshish Siropao.

In his address, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami stressed on the duty of every Sikh to adhere to Gurmat philosophy and work diligently for the advancement of Sikhism.

Dhami also highlighted the significance of martyrdoms in Sikh history, suggesting that the remembrance of Avtar Singh and Hardeep Singh was a collective effort by Sikh organisations to honour their sacrifices.

The memorial function has garnered attention due to Hardeep Singh Nijjar's controversial background as a Khalistani separatist. Nijjar was shot dead last year by unknown gunmen near a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.

Nijjar, who was actively involved in the Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh state, had been a contentious figure, and his commemoration by the SGPC has sparked discussions within and outside the Sikh community.

Prominent attendees included SGPC members Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, and various other dignitaries such as Hardev Singh Rogla, Malkit Singh Gahal, and former Member of Parliament Simranjit Singh Mann.