After Takht directive, SGPC rejects Jathedar’s resignation

A day after Akal Takht’s directives, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has rejected the resignation submitted by Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh.

Showing solidarity with his colleague, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh directed the SGPC not to accept the resignation, else all Takht Jathedars, including him, would be compelled to quit.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the resignation that he received last evening on the mobile phone was outrightly rejected on Thursday. “The SGPC stands with Giani Harpreet Singh and other Jathedars. All his concerns would be addressed on priority. The Sikh community needs his services and I appeal him to continue at this critical hour when some anti-Panthic forces, including the BJP-RSS, were bent upon dividing the community and its institutions,” he said.

In another significant development, SAD working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder, chief spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema and couple of others held a closed-door meeting with Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh at his residence in Amritsar on Thursday.

Later, Cheema said an apology on behalf of the SAD was tendered to the Jathedar in case any member of the party had indulged in passing derogatory remarks against any of the Takht Jathedars.

“The SAD emerged from Akal Takht principles and was bound to bow before its orders. The Jathedars’ pride and dignity has been of utmost concern to the SAD. Still, we have submitted an apology on behalf of the party, if any of our ‘saathi’ (fellow member) had uttered insulting language against the Jathedars,” he said.

Issuing a stern warning to all SAD members, Cheema said any disparaging statement against “Singh Sahibaans”, verbally or on any platform, would not be tolerated.

“Though, Valtoha is no longer the SAD member, yet I request him too, to refrain from further mudslinging against the dignity of the ‘Singh Sahibaans’. I hope that he will also take this advice into consideration,” he said.

Cheema said he also had a word with Giani Harpreet Singh and assured no hassle in initiating action if he could reveal the name of any SAD worker involved in posting offensive messages against him or his family members.