In a brazen and deeply troubling incident yesterday, Pakistani forces opened fire on the historic Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch, resulting in the deaths of three devout Gursikhs: Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, a revered raagi; Bhai Amarjeet Singh; and Bhai Ranjit Singh. The unprovoked shelling of a sacred place of worship has drawn swift and unequivocal condemnation from across India’s political and religious spectrum.
Eyewitnesses describe a serene congregational gathering at the gurdwara when sudden heavy artillery rounds struck the compound. “We were in the midst of the Ardas [prayer] when the first shell exploded,” recounted one shaken devotee. “The holy precinct became a scene of chaos.” Emergency responders rushed the wounded to the nearby district hospital, but three succumbed to their injuries amidst the firing. Several others sustained non-fatal wounds.
Strongly condemn the inhuman attack by Pakistani forces on the sacred Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch, in which three innocent Gursikhs, including Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh and Bhai Ranjit Singh lost their lives.
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) May 7, 2025
The Shiromani… pic.twitter.com/T5CFLfBeyx
The attack has reignited long-standing tensions along the Line of Control, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of flagrantly violating the ceasefire pact. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs denounced the action as “an egregious assault on religious freedom and human decency,” vowing “stern diplomatic retaliation.” Senior military officials emphasized that the Central Gurdwara, established over eight decades ago, has always been a symbol of peace and communal harmony in the volatile border region.
What’s surprising (or maybe not so) is the utter silence of Khalistan elements and groups such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun or the SFJ in condemning the Pakistan attack on Sikh establishments. This further proves what everyone already knows – Khalistan is a Pakistan-backed group. But it is shameful when community members do not have the grit to even speak up for any atrocities against the community.
Sikh leaders have responded with both grief and resolve. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar issued a communiqué mourning the loss of “three beloved servants of the Guru,” and called on the Indian government to “ensure justice for the martyrs and prevent any recurrence of such inhuman aggression.” Political representatives from Jammu and Kashmir echoed the demand for a robust response.
“My brothers gave their lives while offering kirtan in the house of the Guru,” said Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, a prominent Sikh cleric. “The Sikh community has always stood as the sword arm of this nation, defending its sovereignty and ideals. Today, we stand like a rock with our armed forces in their righteous duty to safeguard our borders and our faith.”
In New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level emergency meeting of the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Staff. A spokesperson for the Indian Army reiterated that “acts of terrorizeing defenceless worshippers will only strengthen our resolve. The Gursikhs have, time and again, proven their valor on every battlefield.”
Across the country, gurdwaras observed two-minute silences and held special prayers for the departed souls. Pilgrims and parishioners laid wreaths and lit candles, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families. A nationwide call for vigilance has been issued, urging congregations at border-area gurdwaras to remain alert and report any suspicious movements.
The attack on Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib is not merely a military outrage; it is an assault on the sacred values that bind pluralistic India. As investigations proceed and diplomatic channels heat up, the message from the Sikh community is unmistakable: their faith is inviolable, their courage unwavering, and their unity with India’s armed forces, unbreakable.
