Punjab seeks restoration of Maryada in gurdwaras in Sikkim

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today sought the intervention of his Sikkim counterpart Pawan Kumar Chamling for immediate restoration of Maryada (Sikh religious code of conduct) in historical gurdwaras in the north eastern state.
In a letter to Chamling, the Chief Minister apprised him that there were a number of historical Sikh gurdwaras in Sikkim which were related to the visits of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, to the state.
He said these gurdwaras were located in Gurudongmar, Thanggu, Lachen, Chungthang, Tumthang and Lachung and added that a large number of devotees visit them every year.
However, Badal said the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, which was the apex religious representative body of the Sikhs, had brought to his notice that the Maryada has been discontinued in above said gurdwaras since last few years.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that the 'Sewa-Sambhal' of the sacred Guru Granth Sahib (holy book for Sikhs)and also of the Gurdwaras has been taken away from the local Sikhs and the boards indicating Guru Nanak Dev's visits at these places have been removed.
He further said the historical symbols related to Guru Nanak Dev in Chungthang have been given Bodhi form by erecting walls around them. He said even Guru's belongings were also not being displayed for visitors at Lachen and lamented that even the 'Nishan Sahibs' have been removed from these places.
The Chief Minister said all this has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and has caused resentment amongst the members.

Seeking personal intervention of the Sikkim chief minister, Badal urged him to give an audience and support to the five members delegation formed by SGPC under the leadership of its General Secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, which has been specially deputed to visit Sikkim regarding the issues of restoration of Maryada in gurdwaras of the state.