Shillong, December 15: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Monday assured full support of the state government to the Sikh residents of Punjabi Lane in Shillong during a meeting at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar.

The assurance came after acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, raised concerns over the protection of the community’s longstanding rights. Addressing the congregation, Giani Gargajj said any move leading to the displacement of Sikh families, who have lived in the area for nearly two centuries, would be unjust. He added that Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sikhs across the world stand with the community.

Sanbor Shullai reiterated the government’s position, stating that the state stands in solidarity with the Sikh community in Shillong.

Giani Gargajj was in Shillong to participate in religious programmes marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The events included a nagar kirtan procession from Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha at Laitumkhrah, which concluded at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, followed by a Gurmat Samagam.

Devotees from Meghalaya, Assam and other Northeast states attended the programme. During his address, Giani Gargajj spoke about Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for religious freedom and urged the community to uphold Sikh values of truth and justice. He also encouraged parents to teach children Punjabi and Gurmukhi to help them remain connected to the Guru Granth Sahib.

The gurdwara committee felicitated Giani Gargajj, who in turn honoured several Sikh leaders for their contributions. Senior members of the Sikh community and a large number of devotees were present at the event.