‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ row: SGPC chief secretary tenders apology

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 12

In the wake of the outrage against the SGPC and Akal Takht for endorsing the film ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ for an all-India release, barring Punjab, SGPC chief secretary Roop Singh on Thursday apologised to the Sikhs through social media for granting permission to the film.

He said it was a blunder on his part to issue such a letter.

Referring to the letter issued under his signature on March 19, directing the gurdwaras to prominently display the posters of the film so that the devotees should get aware of the film based on Guru Nanak, Singh, in his message, submitted that the letter was withdrawn on March 29.

He clarified that he had issued the letter only on the basis of an earlier letter issued by his predecessor after a sub-committee had recommended it. To substantiate his claim, he also posted the letter dated May 13, 2016, which reads, “It is in continuation to the letter number 31424 and now after the film is seen by the appointed committee of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee, we have no objection in granting you the permission for the release of the film ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’.”

Earlier, On January 22, 2015, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh had issued a congratulatory letter addressed to the film-maker Harinder Singh Sikka terming it as a “praiseworthy” step. “This is a fine example of promotion of Sikh faith,” it read.

However, following the protest, the Akal Takht Jathedar thought the screening of the film could create unrest and vitiate peace.

The Akal Takht Jathedar has called up an emergency meeting of Five High Priests over the issue, which is under way.