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High priests may face action
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Feb 4 — Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Puran Singh has clearly indicated that the manager of the Gurdwara Tutti Gandhi Sahib ( Muktsar) would be summoned at the Takht for presenting a ‘siropa’ (robe of honour) to Bibi Jagir Kaur, SGPC chief who has been excommunicated from the Panth for implementing the Nanakshahi calendar.

He also hinted that an official of Sohan Singh Bhagwan Kaur Charitable Hospital may be summoned for presenting ‘Mai Bhago Memorial Award’ to the Bibi yesterday.

He parried questions whether he would summon Mr Zora Singh Mann, member of Parliament, or state minister Sujan Singh who attended the function where Bibi Jagir Kaur was awarded the medal. “Everybody who attended the function cannot be summoned,” he said.

Giani Puran Singh said action against the five Sikh High Priests who had challenged the ‘hukamnama’ issued by him from Guna (Madhya Pradesh) was also “under consideration”.

Bibi Jagir Kaur, when contacted by TNS said she had not yet received a certified copy of the ‘hukamnama’ (edict). She refused to answer whether she would appear before Akal Takht or not. Dr Gurbachan Singh, Secretary, SGPC, who received a copy of the “hukamnama from Giani Puran Singh two days ago failed to deliver the same to Bibi Jagir Kaur for the second consecutive day today. He said he would deliver the same at the earliest so that the Bibi could take a decision in this regard.

Sources said Bibi Jagir Kaur had no option but to appear before Akal Takht as the entire SGPC executive had already endorsed the ‘hukamnama’.

Supporters of the Bibi feel that she has been “isolated” on the issue as the Chief Minister has failed to salvage her position. They suggest Bibi Jagir Kaur should adopt a “wait and watch” policy till the Nawanshahr byelection.

Some senior leaders of the SAD want the Bibi to apply to Akal Takht for re-admission into the Panth at the earliest as much damage has already been done.

Giani Puran Singh has already clarified that Bibi Jagir Kaur need not resign as SGPC chief.

Mr Balbir Singh Naushehra Pannu, Senior Vice-President, SGPC, answering queries of mediapersons, said Bibi Jagir Kaur had received the ‘siropa’ (robe of honour) at Muktsar as she was yet to receive a certified copy of the “hukamnama”.

“It has happened due to a communication gap”, he explained.

He claimed Bibi Jagir Kaur continued to be the SGPC chief as the Akal Takht chief had clarified that she could not be directed to resign.

Giani Mohan Singh, Head Priest, Golden Temple, talking to TNS has reiterated that the ‘hukamnama’ issued by Giani Puran Singh from Guna was not in accordance with Sikh traditions. He, however, said the joint statement issued by the Sikh High Priests challenging the ‘hukamnama’ was neither an edict nor a directive.