Parallel ‘Jathedars’ not honoured: Takht heads

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 16

Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh has denied the claims of the Sarbat Khalsa-appointed ‘Jathedars’ that they were felicitated at the Takht in Bihar which amounted to their recognition.

He stated that the pictures, which the ‘Jathedars’ were showing as evidence among the Sikh masses of getting ‘siropas’ at the Bihar-based Takht, were misleading. He claimed that the person bestowing ‘siropa’ on them was not an Amritdhari Sikh and was given religious punishment sometime ago.

Similarly, Deputy Jathedar, Takht Hazur Sahib, Jotinder Singh also refuted the claims of the ‘Jathedars’ being honoured during their recent visit to the Takht.

He stated that no official from the Maharashtra-based Takht offered ‘siropas’ to the ‘Jathedars’. He said they might have visited the Sikh shrine like any other devotee.

Acting Akal Takht ‘Jathedar’ Dhian Singh Mand, after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple and the Akal Takht along with Takht Kesgarh ‘Jathedar’ Amrik Singh Ajnala and Takht Damdama Sahib ‘Jathedar’ Baljit Singh Daduwal, yesterday had claimed that they were warmly welcomed at Takht Hazur Sahib and Takht Patna Sahib.

The Sarbat Khalsa-designated ‘Jathedars’ are on a pilgrimage to all five Takhts. As per their programme, they paid a visit at Takht Hazur Sahib, Takht Patna Sahib and the Akal Takht. They are expected to visit the remaining two — Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur and Takht Damdama Sahib in Bathinda — later this month.