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Sarnas appear before Takht, submit reply
Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service

Amritsar August 7
The five Sikh high priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, have formed a committee to look into the Sarna brothers-advocate Phoolka tangle.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna and his brother Harvinder Singh Sarna along with their supporters appeared before the five Sikh high priests at Akal Takht today.

The duo submitted their clarification putting forth their stance regarding the controversy erupted over the alleged remarks made by the Sarna brothers against advocate HS Phoolka.

They had said the lawyer, fighting the 1984 riot victims’ cases, had “wasted money” and made personal gains.

The Sarna brothers were summoned to Akal Takht on a complaint filed by Phoolka, who had virtually received a pat from Giani Gurbachan Singh for hardwork put in by him in respect of the 1984 riot victims’ cases.

Earlier, they could not appear before Akal Takht on July 26 due to some personal reasons.

“We have formed a committee that will look into the entire episode. It will examine the issue and give its report within two months. Any action will be taken on the basis of the report of the panel, which will function under the direct supervision of the five Sikh high priests,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh.

Parmjit Singh Sarna, who was flanked by his brother Harvinder Singh Sarna and a large number of supporters, reached the Golden Temple complex around 10.30 am. Advocate Phoolka also reached there along with journalist Jarnail Singh. All-India Shiromani Akali Dal president Jaswant Singh Maan was also present along with senior Akali leader Manjit Singh Tarantarni.

A verbal duel between supporters of Sarna and SGPC task force officials also popped up for a couple of times.

Parmjit Singh Sarna said he and other DSGMC office-bearers had full regard for Akal Takht and its verdict would be final. Giving account of the controversy, the Sarna brothers said they had never said anything objectionable about Phoolka and it was he who had leveled “serious and baseless” allegations against them in an interview on TV.

He also said the DSGMC had made a payment of Rs 99.94 crore to Phoolka for fighting the 1984 victims’ cases. Sarna also rubbished his alleged links with some Sikh militants.

“It is nothing but cheap politics. It is just a conspiracy to show us in a bad light,” he said

Advocate Phoolka denied reports indicating that he and Sarna brothers had reached any compromise. After talking to mediapersons at the SGPC information office, Sarna brothers headed for Akal Takht where they submitted their written clarification to the Sikh high priests along with a video CD, said to be a recording of Phoolka’s interview to a TV channel.