What is the meat and liquor controversy at Kartarpur Gurdwara?

Former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a BJP leader, has alleged that the administration of the Kartarpur Gurdwara in Pakistan desecrated the Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib shrine by hosting a meat and dance party within the Kartarpur Sahib complex.

The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara holds immense significance for the Sikh community. Videos that have gone viral on social media show a party at Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib on November 18, allegedly organized by Sayed Abu Bakar Qureshi, CEO of Project Management Unit for Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

Sirsa’s allegations

• In a post on X, formerly known as “Twitter”, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly criticised an incident where meat was eaten in a sacred place and asked Pakistan to act quickly. 

• He posted on X, urging the Government of Pakistan to take action against those responsible for the event shown in the pictures.

• Sirsa was upset that government officials organized a non-vegetarian party at Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib, attended by 80 people, including officials like Deputy Commissioner of Narowal, Mohammad Sharukh. 

• He insisted on accountability from the Government of Pakistan for disrespecting Guru Nanak Dev ji’s resting place, which is considered supremely holy in the Sikh community.
• Later, on the same platform, he condemned the involvement of the Kartarpur Gurdwara committee administration in the incident. 
• This isn't the first time Sirsa has criticised the Government of Pakistan regarding Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. 
• In 2021, he criticized the Gurdwara management for allowing a woman to move around the Gurdwara without covering her hair, a violation of Sikh community rules

Why has it angered the Sikh Community?

• According to Sikh Rehat Maryada and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, consuming meat from a slaughtered animal within Gurudwara premises is explicitly forbidden. 

• Similarly, Sikhism prohibits the consumption of substances such as alcohol and cigarettes within Gurudwara premises.
• The reported incident at Kartarpur, Pakistan's Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib, breaches these two crucial tenets of Sikhism.
• This has caused significant backlash and condemnation from Sikhs due to the infringement on their religious beliefs, directed mainly at the Gurudwara management.

• "The Pakistan government should know that Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is a place of worship for us. They should take action against those responsible," 

  - Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh