In a recent shake-up within the Pakistan Singh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (PSGPC), concerns have been raised by certain factions of Pakistani Sikhs and the Indian government. The PSGPC underwent restructuring with the appointment of 13 new members, including individuals with pro-Khalistani affiliations, sparking apprehensions.
The Indian government has expressed unease, particularly regarding Ramesh Singh Arora, who is the brother-in-law of Manjit Singh Pinka, wanted by India for the 1984 hijacking of IC 405 from Srinagar to Lahore. Tara Singh, known to be close to Lakhbir Singh Rode, the self-styled chief of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force, and Maheesh Singh, accused of having ties to Rode, are among the appointed members. Additionally, Gyan Singh Chawla and Dr. Mimpal Singh, part of the new committee, reportedly hold anti-India views.
The PSGPC members who have been Sikhs since Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time have raised objections to the inclusion of first-generation converted Sikhs, including Ramesh Arora, Tara Singh, Maheesh Singh, and Bhagat Singh. The controversy also involves objections from a Hindu-converted Sikh who raised concerns about the appointments being made by “first-generation converted Sikhs.”
It remains to be seen how these appointments and the ensuing controversy will impact the PSGPC’s functioning and relations between different Sikh factions in Pakistan.
