HOSHIARPUR, Punjab—Dal Khalsa has termed the tussle between Akali Dal, (Badal) dominant Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, (SGPC) and the Sikh leaders of Haryana over the proposed formation of separate management committee for Gurdwara’s in Haryana, as clear reflection of lack of political maturity in the community leadership.
The organization has demanded that the Sikhs of Haryana should be given the right to express their choice by holding referendum or evolving another mechanism to gauge the general mood of the community in Haryana.
Party’s senior leaders Harchranjit Singh Dhami and Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib said the sole right whether to remain with SGPC or to have their own separate body rests on the Sikhs of Haryana.
They slammed SAD (B) leaders for allowing the problem to linger. They condemned the role of the ruling party for failing to win the trust and confidence of Haryana Sikhs and equally the Congress for exploiting the situation to its benefit.
They were of the view that Haryana Sikhs need autonomy to manage their religious institutions which they have been denied for a while now.
They said the problem stems from the unreasonable powers given to Raghujeet Singh Virk- SGPC’s, vice-president who hails from Haryana by Badals while others felt let down. “The issue can be resolved in case Virk is removed and Haryana Sikhs are given autonomy to run their affairs”.
For Sikhs, it’s ironic that protagonists of the separate Gurdwara panel were seen siding with the Congress and those opposing it had sought the support of the BJP to stop it, said. “Sikhs should sort out their internal problems and crisis on their own without any external intervention.”
Perturbed over the infighting within the community on small pretexts every then and now, they said internal bickering has weakened the Sikh struggle for justice and freedom. They said it’s ironic that the post of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib has been reduced to “spokesman of the SGPC”.
