SGPC move to sack Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar flayed

The SGPC move to sack Giani Harpreet Singh drew widespread criticism from various Sikh quarters, with many terming the allegations against him as “politically motivated”. They said the move was engineered in the aftermath of five high priests’ December 2 directives against the SAD leadership, including Sukhbir Badal, for the “sins” committed during the party’s regime between 2007 and 2017.

Takht Damdama Sahib ex-Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh said as Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had already objected to the SGPC probe in the matter, there was no scope left for conducting an inquiry.

Akal Purakh Ki Fauj convener Jaswinder Singh Advocate said the decision should be reviewed by the SGPC.

SGPC former chief secretary and Sikh scholar Dr Roop Singh said, “The Sikh’s mini parliament has been restrained to be a ‘political family’s organisation’ that appoints and removes ‘jathedars’ at its convenience. It’s been there for the past over two decades. Nothing new.” SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur said humiliating a “Gursikh” in such a manner was never part of the Panthic tradition. Dal Khalsa president Harpal Singh Cheema and executive president Paramjit Singh Mand also condemned the decision alleging the SAD was still running the SGPC through remote control.

Manjit Singh Bhoma, leader of the Dharam Prachar Committee of the DSGMC, said the decision was a violation of Akal Takht orders and Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh should summon the executive committee for explanation.