AMRITSAR: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh today strongly reacted to sacking of Sikh High Priest Giani Harpreet Singh by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) condemned the humiliation of Sikh high priests.
In a hard hitting message on social media, Jathedar Raghbir Singh said that after announcement of verdict )against SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal) from Akal Takht on December 2, 2014, a vilification campaign was launched against the Sikh high priests which is direct challenge to the authority of Akal Takht. He said that removal of Giani Harpreet Singh was against the maryada of the Akal Takht. He said that only Akal Takht has the authority to probe the allegations against high priests.
It is pertinent to mention that SAD had laucnhed a consistent campaign to defame Giani Harpreet Singh and fofrmer MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha was fielded to level allegations in media against the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib. Valtoha had made scathing attack and made personal allegations against Giani Harpreet Singh.
The SGPC had formed a three member committee to probe the allegations against Giani Harpreet Singh. The committee recommended the dismissal of Giani Harpreet Singh. The SGPC executive which comprises loyalists of Badal family ordered the removal of Giani Harpreet Singh from post of Jathedar.
Gurpreet Singh Wadal rebel SAD leader and former SGPC president Bini Jagir Kaur condemned the action of SGPC and said that five high priests had taken decision to punish Sukhbir Badal as per Sikh rehat maryada but sacking of Giani Harpreet Singh has shown vindictive attitude of SGPC.
Jathedar Raghbir Singh said that he was deeply pained to see what has been happening in Sikh community. He siad that he was watching the things closely.