AMRITSAR: Terming the temporary suspension of Gaini Harpreet Singh as Jathedar Takhat Damdama Sahib an act of witch-hunting, the Dal Khalsa has appealed to Akal Takht Jathedar to take over the probe associated with Giani Harpreet Singh from SGPC and disband 3-member probe panel.
Let Jathedar Akal Takhat Gaini Raghbir Singh to separate grains from the chaff, said party senior leader Kanwar Pal Singh. At least, probe by Head of highest temporal seat would keep the sanctity and prestige of the post upheld.
Ever since, Five Singh Sahib directed Akali Dal to expel Virsa Singh Valtoha from the party and chided Akali leadership from Akal Takhat podium ( Dec 2) stating that present leadership has lost moral authority to run Akali affairs, Gaini Harpreet Singh removal was imminent, said he.
Both Sukhbir and Valtoha are highly egotistical persons and it was expected from them to target Jathedar Harpreet Singh sooner or later. He, however, said targeting one Jathedar at one time seems their strategy.
The timing of SGPC putting 15 day bar on Gaini Harpreet Singh itself smells a design behind it, as two days are left for SAD working committee to comply with Takhat orders and accept Sukhbir’s resignation. Now all responsibility to ensure implementation of Dec 2 directives rests on Gaini Raghbir Singh’s shoulder, said he.
"The Akalis continue to dabble in gurdwara affairs and Panthic politics despite having dropped their 'panthic agenda', and facing existential crisis, he said.
Even as the disgruntled Akali leadership was hell bent to oust Gaini Harpreet Singh reasons well known in public domain, as head of the Sikh premier institution that appoints and removes Takhat Jathedar, Mr. Dhami should show large-heart and allow space to Gaini Harpreet Singh to decide his graceful exit on his own.
Appointing 3 member panel headed by controversial person who’s only quality is that he’s protégé of Badals, to probe frivolous and flimsy charges against Gaini Harpreet Singh is an affront to Jathedars post, he observed.
Moreover Jathedar has already rubbished the allegations levelled against him in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and Panj Piyara’s. “SGPC should have taken Jathedars solemn statement before Guru Granth Sahib in consideration and dumped the dubious complainant, said he.
In the recent past, the Sikhs have watched with heavy-heart how SGPC have been removing the Jathedars unceremoniously and disgracefully. “Mr Dhami, don’t repeat the mistakes your predecessors have been committing”, said Dal Khalsa leader.
The kind of stranglehold Akali politicians have over the posts of Jathedars, has not only eroded the latter’s credibility but made them subservient of political masters that needs to be altered vice-versa.
Since last three decades, the Dal Khalsa and many more Sikh organisations have been demanding from the SGPC to frame norms and rules to codify the post of Takhat Jathedars but to no avail. Had the procedural system been in place, the community could have been saved from huge embarrassment every time such situations arise.