Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh’s ‘Z’ security withdrawn

The Union Government has withdrawn the Z-category security provided to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh. He, however, would continue to have the security cover provided by the Punjab Police and the SGPC.

In June 2022, while he was acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, the Centre had provided CRPF Z-security cover comprising 21 personnel to him after the Punjab Government’s flip-flop over curtailing his security cover then.

It is learnt that he had asked the Centre to withdraw the security provided to him by the Union Home Ministry following a controversy after allegations were levelled against him about owing allegiance to the RSS and BJP leaders.

An SAD leader, against whom the orders of expulsion from the party for 10 years were pronounced by Akal Takht, had questioned Giani Harpreet Singh’s closed-door meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the latter’s visit to the Golden Temple in 2022.

Confirming the development, Akal Takht Jathedar’s personal assistant Jaspal Singh, who served with Giani Harpreet Singh earlier, said the Centre-sponsored security personnel had been sent back.

Earlier also, Giani Harpreet Singh had requested the Union Government to suspend its decision of providing him Z-grade security as it could hamper his religious activities as he wished to openly move and interact with the people.