AMRITSAR: Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, today issued directions to the Punjab government that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the matter related to 328 sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must be constituted exclusively of Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh police officers.
Speaking to the media at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that in view of the suggestions and demands received from the Sikh sangat residing in India and abroad, the recent violation of Sikh maryada (conduct) by a Punjab Police SIT at a religious place in the Doaba region, and Sikh sentiments towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it is extremely essential that the SIT be comprised only of Amritdhari Sikh officers.
He said that due to the functioning of the officers in the present SIT, doubts have arisen in the minds of the sangat and several apprehensions have emerged. Therefore, it has become imperative that only Amritdhari Sikh officers—who possess complete understanding of Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct) and the reverence due to Guru Sahib—should carry forward the investigation.
He said that recently, when the investigation team reached a religious place in the Doaba region, they violated Sikh maryada by inspecting the sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at the place of Sukhasan (resting place), which was against established maryada. This deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. To ensure that such an incident does not recur, these directions have been issued, the Jathedar said.
Regarding the case of remarks made against the reverence of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Barnala-based kathavachak Gurjant Singh was summoned today and appeared before the Jathedar at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that although Gurjant Singh sought forgiveness upon his appearance, the matter is serious and will be deliberated upon in a gathering of the Panj Singh Sahiban, and he will be presented before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said that until Gurjant Singh is presented, he will remain barred from speaking from any stage or performing kirtan. Additionally, he is not permitted to sit on any Sikh religious stage during this period.
Regarding the matter of Gurdwara Sahib Winnipeg South Sikh Centre in Canada, which is under consideration at Sri Akal Takht Sahib following complaints from the sangat, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that the sangat has lodged complaints against the gurdwara management alleging tampering with the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, that the management is not Amritdhari, that manmat (practices contrary to Gurmat) are being followed inside the gurdwara, and that the sangat has been stopped from visiting the gurdwara.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj issued a stern warning to the office-bearers of Gurdwara Sahib Winnipeg South Sikh Centre—President Nishan Singh, Secretary Baljinder Singh, Mohan Singh, Navdeep Singh, Kulwinder Singh, Rachhpal Singh and Pardeep Singh—directing them to personally appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and submit their stand within 10 days, allow the sangat to visit the gurdwara respecting their sentiments, and immediately stop all activities being carried out contrary to Gurmat. He said that if the management fails to comply with the directions and warning within 10 days, strict action will be taken against them in accordance with Panthic sentiments.