M A I N   N E W S

Definition of Sikh on agenda
SGPC meeting today
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Jan 14 — The ‘open challenge’ to the SGPC by Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, and Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, on the issue of amending the definition of ‘Sikh’ is sure to cast its shadow on the SGPC executive meeting scheduled to be held at Gurdwara Alamgir tomorrow.

Sources said the Jathedars have tried to pre-empt any move by the SGPC for initiating action against them on the issue of appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi, Golden Temple.

Both Jathedars and Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Damdama Sahib, had lodged a protest over the appointment of the Giani who was sacked unceremoniously on serious charges of ‘violation of the Sikh maryada’ during his tenure as Jathedar, Akal Takht.

While the SGPC has already constituted an inquiry against Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti is on extension. All four high priests, including Head Granthi, Akal Takht, Giani Bhagwan Singh, had written to the SGPC that no meeting of the high priests could be held without the presence of the Head Granthi. This has angered Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi as it was his first order after his appointment as SGPC chief.

Mr Puran Singh Josh, a veteran SGPC member coming to the support of the high priests, however, has said that nobody has the right to ‘change’ the definition of Sikh as established by the Sikh Gurus.

The SGPC meeting to be held tomorrow may discuss the definition of ‘Sikh’ in the wake of the assertions of the two Sikh high priests yesterday. Jathedar Vedanti, when contacted refused to comment.

Jathedar Vedanti and Prof Manjit Singh had sharply reacted to the resolution passed by the SGPC general house on November 30 last year deciding the definition of ‘Sikh’ be amended. The high priests had categorically stated that the amendments as passed by the general house could not be accepted as these were against the spirits of Sikhism.

However, SGPC office-bearers, including Bibi Jagir Kiranjot, had questioned the ‘belated’ reaction of the high priests, wondering why the high priests had spoken only after a month had passed since the resolution. The resolution was published in the December issue of the monthly “Gurdwara Gazette”.

The two high priests have also blamed the state government for the drug menace. It seems the clergy and the SAD are on a confrontation path.

No meeting of the Sikh high priests has been held after the appointment of the Head Granthi. Though Mr Talwandi has admitted that he has committed a ‘blunder’ with the appointment of Giani Puran Singh, he is not ready to revoke his decision.