Former Jathedar’s take on the SGPC

The SGPC’s justification over pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has failed to convince former jathedars of Akal Takht who called it “another blunder” on part of the Sikh body.

The SGPC has released advertisements in leading newspapers clarifying the Sikh clergy’s decision on the dera chief. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has claimed that the decision has been taken by the Sikh high priests as per the traditions of Akal Takht. Some organisations are trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere by creating doubts in the minds of the Sikh sangat, he has said.

Former Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti said the justification given by the SGPC in support of the Sikh clergy’s decision was wrong.

“I would call it another blunder by the SGPC. It is a misleading advertisement issued by the SGPC that since dera chief was not follower of Sikh ethics in true sense, he has been exempted from appearing before the Sikh high priests. The dera head should at least be made to apologise for his blasphemous act,” he said.

Former head granthi of Akal Takht Giani Bhagwan Singh alleged it was for the first time that someone was pardoned in such a manner by the clergy under political pressure.

“It was certainly a politically motivated move. The dera chief has belittle the dignity of Akal Takht. His act had hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs. He should be apologetic as per the Akal Takht principles,” he said.

Another former Jathedar of Akal Takht Bhai Ranjit Singh stated if the SGPC thought that it was an apt decision taken by the Sikh clergy, there was no point of advocating it through advertisements.

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