Punjab: Akal Takht Jathedar bars media statements on probe into ‘missing’ saroops

Officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Monday asked politicians, officials of the special investigation team (SIT) and their counsel not to release any statement with regard to the ongoing investigation into the ‘missing’ 328 saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib.He said it had come to light that undue haste was shown by the police while probing the case and the Punjab Government also hurriedly made information public despite a factual basis.He said this had hurt the sentiments of the Sikh sangat and even created conditions that could lead to a “breakdown of law and order” in Punjab. “Although there is no doubt about the competence of SIT members, it will be better if the police investigation team consisted of Amritdhari Sikhs who have a complete understanding of Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom) and Sikh maryada (code of conduct),” he said.He said it had been observed that despite already issuing clear instructions of not airing any remarks pertaining to the saroops, some persons continued to make statements and level allegations through media and social media platforms.Gargaj said Guru Granth Sahib is the living, eternal Guru, with whom the deepest sentiments of every Sikh and devotee were attached.He said even the SIT, parties concerned or their counsel did not have the authority to address the media, encouraging media trials and politics over a sensitive matter. The Jathedar said these actions hurt religious sentiments.BJP leader raises objectionObjecting to the ban, BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh Khiala termed the move a "direct violation of core Sikh principles, Panthic traditions and the spirit of the Indian Constitution". He said the fundamental principle of Sikhism was to speak the truth, raise one’s voice against injustice and question oppression. He said the issue of the saroops was not the concern of any single institution or government, but a collective concern of the Panth.

Punjab: Akal Takht Jathedar bars media statements on probe into ‘missing’ saroops

Tribune News Service

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article