Pakistan’s first Sikh police officer Gulab Singh forcibly evicted from house for raising voice against illegal collection of funds

Lahore, July 11: Minorities still in danger in Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan’s first Sikh police officer Gulab Singh was forcibly evicted from his own house in Lahore's Dera Chahal along with his children and wife, by a group of people belonged to an organization following a property dispute.

 

Gulab Singh was forcibly evicted by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), the parent body of Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) following a property dispute. However, Gulab Singh pleaded to the police to give him 10 minutes but wasn’t allowed. He in his plead said, “At least give us 10 minutes we are staying here since 1947.”

Gulab Singh further said, “If they wanted me to evict the house then they could have simply sent me a notice,” adding “My house is sealed with all belongings including my slippers inside. Even this patka on my head is an old rag which I just wrapped. I was harassed, beaten and my faith was disrespected.” He said, “Even in 1947 we Sikhs did not leave Pakistan but now we are being forced to do so.”

According to the sources, Gulab Singh alleged that PSGPC president Tara Singh along with other Indian Sikh fugitives currently taking shelter in Pakistan had collected donations of Rs 10 to Rs 15 crore from the Sikhs of UK, USA, Canada etc on the name of development of Bebe Nanki Gurdwara but didn't spend a single penny.

In 2011, Gulab Singh had filed a case against Syed Asif Akhtar Hashmi for illegal selling of the Gurudwara property. In February 2018, the Supreme Court of Pakistan held Hashmi, then Chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), responsible for illegal selling of Sikh gurudwaras in the country.

Interestingly, when we talk of crushing the voices of minorities, killing the minorities and violating the human rights of minorities..we do talk about Pakistan. Because Pakistan tops in harbouring terrorism and as well as in crushing the minorities and still so-called various human rights preservers including United Nations keep quiet.