THE World Sikh Organization of Canada on Friday condemned the attack on Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Sri Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Gurdwara Janam Asthan is the birth place of the founder of the Sikh faith, Sri Guru Nanak Dev.

ALSO READ: https://www.dawn.com/news/1526068

According to reports, a mob of protestors surrounded and pelted stones at Gurdwara Janam Asthan on Friday. Sikhs celebrating the birth gurpurab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh were stranded inside the gurdwara. Members of the mob were also recorded threatening to evict all Sikhs from Nanakana Sahib and to build a mosque in place of the historical gurdwara.

WSO President Tejinder Singh Sidhu said: “We are deeply saddened by the attack on Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib today. It is unacceptable that a mob could besiege the gurdwara, and brazenly make threats against the Sikh community. Gurdwara Janam Asthan holds a special place in the hearts of all Sikhs and to hear that it was pelted with stones is heartbreaking. It is also unclear why law enforcement did not intervene to lift the siege of the gurdwara in a timely manner. The Government of Pakistan must ensure that members of minority communities are protected from intimidating behaviour and violence. Those responsible for today’s violence must be held accountable for their actions under the law. We will continue to monitor this situation as it develops.”