AMRITSAR, Oct 13 — The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has launched a damage control exercise in favour of Bibi Jagir Kaur who is allegedly evading arrest by the CBI these days.

The entire exercise is aimed at pressurising Mr Parkash Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, who is being forced to seek the resignation of Bibi Jagir Kaur as the SGPC chief in the wake of a criminal case registered against her in connection with the mysterious death of her daughter Harpreet Kaur. Interestingly, only 100 SGPC members, including four executive members, have reportedly given support to Bibi Jagir Kaur. Sources say that at least 11 executive members out of 15 have not yet given their written support to Bibi Jagir Kaur. The managers of the SGPC were reportedly deputed to seek the support of SGPC members in their respective areas.

The list of 100 SGPC members did not include the names of Mr Balbir Singh Naushehra Pannu, Mr Hardalbir Singh Shah, senior vice-president and general secretary, SGPC, respectively, Mr Kewal Singh Badal, vice-president, Ms Kiranjot Kaur, Mr Puran Singh Josh, Mr Jaswinder Singh Advocate etc, who belong to the ruling party.

Mr Harjit Singh, PA to Bibi Jagir Kaur, has claimed his office and Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, secretary, have fax messages from members extending support to Bibi Jagir Kaur.

Though the CBI had registered a criminal case against Bibi Jagir Kaur yet the press note claimed the death of her daughter was a “natural one”. The press note criticised the detractors of Bibi Jagir Kaur who wanted to finish her politically.

Mr Harjit Singh in his press note alleged certain anti-Panthic forces were out to disrupt the Akali-BJP government’s efforts to bring prosperity in the state. The members who have supported the SGPC chief have alleged she was implicated in a false case. The members said they would expose the anti-Panthic forces at an appropriate time.