Clash over tunnel-like constructions excavated close to Golden Temple

A CLASH broke out between a bunch of building volunteers and Sikh activists close to the Akal Takht secretariat exterior the Golden Temple in Amritsar Thursday morning whereas the previous had been attempting to fill concrete into underground tunnel-like constructions found throughout excavation work.
On July 2, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had began the work to develop a Jora Ghar (a spot for devotees to maintain their sneakers after they go to the temple) and Gathrhi Ghar (cloak home) in direction of the doorway on the aspect of secretariat. The Kar Sewa (voluntary service) had been handed over to Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale.
Volunteers had been digging up the positioning when two constructions that resembled tunnels, manufactured from Nanakshahi bricks, had been found. Despite the objection of some heritage activists, who wished the constructions to be examined, SGPC didn’t cease work.
On Thursday, Baldev Singh Wadala, a Sikh activist and hymn singer, reached the spot and his supporters clashed with the development volunteers. The spokesperson of Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale diverted all inquiries to SGPC.
“We are just asking SGPC to investigate what these structures are. Maybe they belong to the period of Sikh gurus. But instead of investigating, they want to bury these structures under concrete. Already Kar Sewa organisations have caused much damage to historical gurdwara buildings in and outside Punjab. But instead of listening to us, we were attacked,” mentioned Wadala.

SDM Vikas Hira alongwith police personnel reached the positioning and stopped the work until additional orders. “A tunnel-like structure has been found during the excavation. The site will be examined by the archaeological expert of the government. A meeting of the Sikh bodies and government officials will be held,” mentioned the SDM.
“It is of no historical importance. Still, we can investigate it,” mentioned SGPC chief secretary Harjinder Singh Dhami, whereas speaking to The Indian Express.

SGPC softens its stand
After the controversy, SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur mentioned, “We have stopped the work and asked the deputy commissioner to inform the Archaeological Survey of India. We will preserve this structure if it is found to be of historical significance.”