May 7, 2025 – New Delhi:
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has strongly condemned what it termed an "attack" on a Gurudwara in Pakistan-occupied Poonch. The incident resulted in the killing of three Sikh devotees and injured a number of others, the party said.
The SAD said the attack occurred on Monday at a religious congregation. Party leader Sukhbir Singh Badal described the event as "shocking and heartbreaking" and demanded the Pakistani authorities take stringent action.
"It is extremely painful to hear that a holy place of worship was targeted and innocent lives were lost," said Badal. "This is not merely an attack on a community, but an attack on peace and faith.
The Akali Dal called on the Indian government to bring up the issue with Pakistan diplomatically. The party also called upon the United Nations and international human rights groups to probe the incident.
Accounts from over the border indicate that the perpetrators were armed men, but little is known about the details. The Pakistani authorities have not issued any confirmation on the incident. But some of the local sources have said the region has been volatile because of recent tensions.
The relatives of the victims in India are calling for the return of their bodies and the punishment of the culprits. Leaders of the community in Punjab have also reacted with outrage and grief to the incident. Prayers and candlelight marches were organized in various cities on Tuesday evening.
The Akali Dal has declared financial assistance to the victims' families and intends to send a party delegation to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to urge firm action.
The situation is still tense, and both governments are likely to issue official statements shortly.
