CHANDIGARH, June 11, 2026 : The controversy surrounding the proposed renaming of Gurdwara Bhai Vir Singh in Gulmarg has now reached the Akal Takht, with dissenting members of the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC), Baramulla, seeking intervention to preserve the shrine’s original identity.
Two DGPC members, Rajinder Singh and Manmeet Singh, have formally approached the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, urging him to intervene in the matter amid growing concerns and opposition from sections of the Sikh community.
Acting on their representation, Giani Gargaj has summoned DGPC President Paramjeet Singh along with nine other committee members to appear before the Akal Takht Secretariat on June 13, 2026, to clarify their position regarding the proposed name change.
The dispute emerged after a proposal reportedly surfaced to rename Gurdwara Bhai Vir Singh after the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji. The issue gained momentum when the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) allegedly directed the DGPC to implement the change, triggering objections from local Sikh devotees, intellectuals, and community representatives.
DGPC President Paramjeet Singh, however, maintained that the proposal had already been withdrawn following widespread objections from the Sangat.
“After detailed discussions with the Sangat, it was unanimously decided that the gurdwara’s name would not be changed. Status quo will be maintained in view of the sentiments of the devotees. There was no ill intention. All proposals and announcements regarding the name change stand null and void,” he stated.
Despite this clarification, objections continue to be raised by some DGPC members regarding the manner in which the proposal was initially introduced.
Rajinder Singh questioned why the proposal was announced without prior consultation with the Sikh community and sought an explanation regarding the installation of flex boards displaying the proposed new name.
“If the intentions were clear, why was the name change announced without taking the Sangat into confidence? Why were flex boards bearing the changed name installed? The president must clarify this,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the role of the SGPC, alleging that it exceeded its jurisdiction by directing the renaming of a shrine that falls outside its administrative authority.
“The SGPC must explain under what authority it directed the DGPC to change the name,” he added.
The controversy has further intensified amid allegations from some local representatives that the renaming proposal was linked to plans for transferring the gurdwara property to a trust for potential commercial interests.
These allegations reportedly named Gurinder Singh Bawa, an SGPC member from Maharashtra, as a potential beneficiary.
Rejecting the claims, Bawa categorically denied any involvement, stating that although he had been associated with a trust carrying Guru Angad Dev Ji’s name nearly two decades ago, the trust has remained inactive for years.
“Neither I nor my family or associates are currently involved in managing any such trust,” Bawa said, describing the allegations as “false and misleading.”
He acknowledged contributing approximately ₹50 lakh in two instalments directly to the DGPC for reconstruction and renovation works at the shrine.
The historic gurdwara, which suffered damage more than three decades ago, is currently undergoing renovation with assistance from a Delhi-based Kar Sewa organisation. Sources indicated that while financial support from the organisation may not continue, labour assistance for the restoration work will remain available.
Local Sikh representatives have alleged that community sentiments were overlooked and questioned the legal basis of the SGPC’s involvement, arguing that the shrine is governed under the Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Gurdwaras and Religious Endowment Act, 1973, which regulates Sikh religious institutions in the Union Territory.
With the matter now under the consideration of the Akal Takht, attention has turned to the scheduled June 13 meeting, which is expected to provide clarity and potentially pave the way for a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
