Pakistani authorities have unveiled a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh ruler of Punjab, at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. Sikh pilgrims from India attended the ceremony, honoring Singh, who founded the Sikh Empire in the 19th century and is celebrated as the “Lion of Punjab” for his role in unifying the region.
During the event, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, stressed the importance of protecting the statue to preserve its significance.
This ceremony took place alongside the commemoration of Ranjit Singh’s 185th death anniversary in Lahore. It’s noteworthy that Singh’s bronze statue at Lahore Fort was previously vandalized, highlighting the need for vigilance in safeguarding such monuments.
The Kartarpur Corridor, a significant feature of this event, is a visa-free route that allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. This corridor represents a bridge of peace and religious harmony between Pakistan and India, enabling Sikhs to pay their respects at one of their holiest sites without the usual visa requirements.
The unveiling of the statue at this sacred location underscores the historical and cultural ties between the Sikh community and the Punjab region, fostering a spirit of unity and reverence.
