• Source:JND
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Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of gurdwaras and the sacred 'saroops' (scriptures) of Guru Granth Sahib in Iran and Israel. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a statement, appealed to the government in light of the escalating conflict between the two countries.

Guru Granth Sahib holds the highest reverence for the Sikh community, and ensuring their respect and protection is of utmost importance to the community, he added.

"Due to the current volatile conditions in Iran and Israel, it is the responsibility of governments to ensure the safety of gurdwaras and the sacred 'saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib present there," said Dhami.

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He further stated that the government of India must use its diplomatic relations and international platforms to engage with the governments of Iran and Israel to ensure that no harm comes to the gurdwaras or the 'saroops' of Guru Granth Sahib, and that their sanctity is fully preserved. The Saroop is a physical copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikh community.

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Dhami also appealed to the Sikhs residing in Iran and Israel to remain in contact with local authorities to help ensure the protection of the gurdwaras and the sacred 'saroops'.

The SGPC, the apex gurdwara body, is closely monitoring the situation and expects the Centre to act promptly and sensitively on this critical issue, he said.

India Decides To Evacuate Its Nationals From Israel

Meanwhile, India decided to evacuate its nationals from Israel who wish to leave in view of the unfolding security situation in that country over the ongoing conflict with Iran.

New Delhi's decision to evacuate its citizens came hours after an Iranian missile struck a hospital in Beersheba area of Israel.
"In view of the recent developments between Israel and Iran, the government of India has decided to evacuate from Israel those Indian nationals who wish to leave," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

(With PTI Inputs)