Amritsar, June 19: Amid rising hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has called upon the Government of India to urgently safeguard Sikh religious sites and sacred scriptures located in the conflict-hit regions.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a statement issued on Thursday, urged the Centre to take immediate and effective diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of gurdwaras and the revered saroops (scriptures) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib housed in both countries.
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds the highest reverence in Sikhism. Ensuring its respect and protection is not just a religious duty, it is a collective responsibility,” Dhami stated. “Given the volatile conditions in West Asia, it is imperative that the Government of India uses its diplomatic ties and global platforms to work with Iran and Israel and ensure the sanctity of gurdwaras and scriptures is not compromised.”
Dhami also appealed to Sikh communities in Iran and Israel to maintain close contact with local authorities, stressing that community-level coordination would play a crucial role in preserving the safety and dignity of Sikh religious heritage during this crisis.
The SGPC president added that his organisation is closely monitoring developments and expects the Indian government to respond with urgency and sensitivity. “The situation demands timely and decisive action. We are hopeful that the government will rise to the occasion,” he said.
The SGPC, headquartered in Amritsar, is the apex religious body managing Sikh gurdwaras and institutions, and is widely regarded as a key voice in matters concerning Sikh heritage and global diaspora.
