Amid India-Pakistan tensions, SGPC relocates holy scriptures from Tarn Taran’s border gurdwaras; Punjab cancels officer leaves, issues emergency preparedness orders
Tarn Taran (Punjab), May 9: In response to the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has begun relocating the holy saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib from border villages to safer locations in Punjab. On Friday, the saroops were reverently moved from Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Havelian village (Tarn Taran) to Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib in Amritsar.
Rajinder Singh, Manager of the Golden Temple, confirmed the precautionary measure, citing the growing tension near the India-Pakistan border.
“After consulting Granthis of the gurdwaras and with their consent, the SGPC is shifting the holy saroops to safer places like Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib,” he told ANI. “These are border villages, and safety is paramount.”
The developments come amid a broader state of high alert in Punjab. The Punjab government has cancelled all leaves for IAS and PCS officers statewide, emphasizing that no officer should leave their post without the Chief Secretary’s explicit approval.
“In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system… all leaves stand cancelled,” stated Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Secretary, Personnel Department.
In Amritsar, the District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain indoors, turn off lights, and draw curtains as a precautionary measure.
“A siren will be sounded. Citizens should avoid windows and stay calm. We will notify again once the situation is clear,” the advisory said.
These precautionary actions follow Thursday night’s coordinated drone and missile attacks by Pakistan, targeting Indian territories in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan. However, according to Indian defence officials, the S-400 air defence systems successfully intercepted the threats, averting major damage.