:dateline:Sikh24 has learned from internal sources within the SGPC that Giani Iqbal Singh was�chastised by Avtar Makkar (SGPC President) and senior Akali Dal leadership for letting Patna Sahib sevadars honour Sarbat Khalsa appointed Jathedars. �After attending a meeting at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on May 16, Giani Iqbal Singh clarified that the Sarbat Khalsa jathedars were not honoured by Patna Sahib officials.
“Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala and Bhai�Baljit Singh Daduwal were not honoured with Siropao (robe of honour) at Takht Sahib, and Patna Sahib does not recognize them as Jathedars,” Giani Iqbal Singh stated. �Along with Giani Iqbal Singh, Jathedars of all three Takhts located within Punjab were removed from their duties by the Sarbat Khalsa 2015 gathering at village Chabba. �Interestingly, while 3 replacement Jathedars were named for the Punjab based Takhts, Sarbat Khalsa organizers removed Giani Iqbal Singh, without naming a replacement.
Speaking with the press on May 16 after attending a meeting at Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Iqbal Singh said, “local Sikhs�who bestowed Siropaos to these Jathedars are apostate and they will be discharged from their duties at Takht Sahib. �Now that these tankhiyaas (apostates) have honored Sarbat Khalsa Jathtedars, all of them [Jathedars] are guilty of religious misconduct as well,” Giani Iqbal Singh Said.
Sarbat Khalsa appointed Jathedars including�Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala and Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal paid obeisance at Takht Sri Patna Sahib on May 7. The trio were honoured with Siropao (robe of honour) by the Management Committee member Charanjit Singh, Maharaja Singh, Sonu, R.S Gandhi (former President) and R.S. Jeet. The committee members also made promise to attend Sarbat Khalsa 2016 to be held on November 10 at Talwandi Sabo.
In January 2014, local management committee members of Takht Sri Patna Sahib had discharged Giani Iqbal Singh as the Jathedars, appointing Giani Partap Singh as his replacement. �Much chaos was noticed at Takht Sahib at that time as Giani Iqbal Singh and his son themselves suffered injuries during a brawl. �Giani Iqbal Singh’s removal�was however revoked at a meeting held at Akal Takht Sahib and he has been able to remain as the Takht Jathedar there.
