:dateline:A number of Sikh organizations under the patronage of Bhai Gurcharan Singh Babbar (All India Sikh Conference) have demanded that for the ongoing sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gurmat, the appointed Jathedar should be sacked and declared guilty.�
Giani Gurbachan Singh, who was appointed Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib in an illegal process, had stated that transportation of Guru Granth Sahib by sea containers was acceptable since there was no other method available for the time being.
The statement by Sikh organizations had come after a container was seized by local Sikhs while it was being transported to the port for Canada.� In an interview with Sikh Channel, Giani Gurbachan Singh had stated that the container was setup to provide proper care for the saroops (physical forms of the Guru).� He mentioned that cabinets with different compartments were installed, each with chandoa and bottom cushioning.
The statement by Giani Gurbachan Singh has upset many Sikhs, who feel that sea containers are not the best method of transportation since they take weeks to months to reach a destination.� In addition, it is not rare for these kind of containers to get lost on the way.
Bhai Babbar told the press that Giani Gurbachan Singh is equally responsible for the sacrilege and should be sacked from his post.� He stated that a new Jathedar should be chosen, who should then declare the current Jathedar as �tankhaia� or punishable.
Yesterday, Akal Takhat Sahib responded to the criticism by revising its 2009 mandate allowing saroops to be transported by container. �It was decided at a meeting at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib that from now onwards, saroops could only be transported by air. �Giani Gurbachan Singh admitted that sending containers by sea was a mistake. �
In a statement issued to the press, he stated, “The security process at the dry port was an insult to the Guru Granth Sahib, besides the containers would get contaminated. We have filed a complaint on the Delhi incident. We have decided that only air routes would be used for export.”
Akal Takth is still not resolving issue of Breaches in Duty of Care for Saroops, to ensure Sanctity. Aswell as air flights for transporting Saroops, there needs to be a Register and Serial number for each Saroop. Five Gurmukhs responsible for care of Saroop thereafter should be registered at Akal Takth. Hence they will remain responsible until they de register, for any breaches, or neglect. This system needs to be set up.