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Evacuee Trust Property Board Rejects Demolition Reports
On Friday, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) denied reports circulating on social media about the alleged demolition of Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Sheikhupura. The board clarified that the historic gurdwara remains intact and has not been damaged.
Clarification from ETPB
The board stated that the demolition activity was limited to two shops adjacent to the inactive Gurdwara Singh Sabha, where tenants had started tearing down structures without prior approval from the ETPB. District officials intervened immediately after receiving information about unauthorized work on June 24, halted the demolition, sealed the site and initiated legal proceedings against those responsible.
Gurdwara Not Affected
The board stated that the original historic gurdwara has remained fully protected and was not affected in any way. It added that although the Municipal Committee Sheikhupura had declared the shops structurally unsafe, any repair, alteration or demolition of properties under the board’s control requires prior approval, which had not been obtained by the tenants.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
The ETPB issued show-cause notices to the tenants, cancelled their tenancy and took back possession of the property. A delegation from the Sikh community, led by Sardar Palwinder Singh, visited the site on June 26 and expressed satisfaction over the board’s prompt action. Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also visited the site with district administration officials on June 30.
ETPB Commits to Preservation
The ETPB reiterated its commitment to preserving religious heritage and said strict legal action would continue against any unauthorized demolition, alteration or encroachment on properties under its custody.