Amritsar, November 8:
The General House session of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) today has passed many important resolutions regarding Sikh issues, which were approved by the members present amid the resonance of the Sikh slogan of the high spirit. These resolutions include an important resolution regarding the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Moreover, the resolutions demanded simplification of SGPC’s voter registration process besides increasing the time for registration, ending the discrimination against the Punjabi language, taking care of Sikh heritage in Pakistan, and standing in favor of Punjab on water issues especially the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
Targeting the governments in a resolution demanding the release of the Sikh prisoners, it was said that this discrimination was a violation of human rights. The Sikh prisoners are not being released even after completion of their sentences. Through this resolution, it was demanded from the Centre and concerned state (Delhi and Karnataka) governments to stop discrimination against the Sikhs and release the Sikh prisoners immediately. In this regard, the General House appealed to all Sikh bodies, religious organizations, Sant Samaj, Nihang Singh organisations, and Sikh political parties to unite against the governments. Sikh prisoner Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana also appealed that the entire Sikh community is with the Bandi Singhs, so he should not take any step inside the jail which would create anxiety in the community.
Through a resolution, a demand was made to simplify the process of SGPC’s voter registration and extend the time for this process. It was said that the Gurdwara Election Commission should play an impartial role in the process of SGPC voter registration that should be free from any government influence. Through this resolution, the Chief Commissioner of Gurdwara Elections was asked to extend the time for voter registration, to ensure arrangements for special camps to register SGPC votes at the booth level besides permitting the submission of voter forms collectively to save the voters from harassment. It was also apprehended that the incumbent Punjab government is working on a policy to show a reduced number of Sikhs in Punjab through the Gurdwara Election Commissioner.
In the resolution passed regarding the discrimination against the Punjabi language, it has been said that in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, the people of Punjabi origin are forced to submit applications in the government offices for their work in Hindi and English languages, which should stop immediately. Moreover, the governments were asked to adopt a serious approach to stop the discrimination against the Punjabi language in Chandigarh and Punjab.
In a resolution, India and Canada were urged to join hands to remove the bitterness in the relations between the two countries. The resolution passed said that due to the situation between the two countries, Sikhs and Punjabis are facing hate propaganda for no reason. This is extremely unfortunate, towards which the governments should give serious consideration.
Through a resolution, a commitment was expressed to protect the waters of Punjab and oppose the SYL canal. It was said that the SGPC will play a leading role in every struggle for the waters of Punjab.
Through a resolution, it was also demanded that the Punjab government should release the outstanding amount worth crores of rupees of the post-matric scholarship scheme for the SC/ST/OBC students studying in the educational institutions of the SGPC. It was said that more than Rs 50 crores of the educational institutions of the Sikh body are outstanding towards the Punjab government, due to which the institutions are going towards financial crisis. The government should release this amount immediately.
In a resolution, the government of Pakistan has been appealed for the maintenance and preservation of Sikh heritage and historical Gurdwara Sahibs in the neighbouring country. It was said that many places were neglected after the partition in 1947, to which the government and the Evacuee Trust Property Board should pay special attention. The SGPC is also ready to support this cause.
Through a resolution passed, the government was asked to stop the narrative being established against the Sikh community on social media. It said that along with objectionable comments against Sikh doctrines, Gurbani, Sikh history, insulting and hate propaganda about Sikh Gurus, Sikh martyrs, and Sikh identity is being done on social media platforms. The Sui generis, a distinct entity of Sikhs is also being attacked. Action is not being taken even after written representations to the governments and police several times in this regard. The house demanded that the Government of India should take concrete steps to stop this planned hate propaganda and at the same time necessary steps should be taken at the diplomatic level to stop hate attacks on Sikhs abroad.
A resolution emphasized the need for the full participation of Sikhs in the government’s administrative and civil services. It was said that the SGPC has established a training institute for preparing Sikh youths for competitive exams of UPSC, PPSC, PCS, etc., where free education, hostel, food, and other facilities are being provided. Realizing the need for the participation and cooperation of the community members in the country and abroad for the expansion of this institute, it was announced to establish a special fund, so that every year hundreds of Sikhs can be prepared for competitive examinations for free.
A resolution was also passed asking the government to give special attention to improving the condition of the roads and surroundings of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Through a resolution, the interference of non-Panthic and the political parties void of Sikh principles and governments, in the affairs of Sikhs was strongly condemned. It was said that the Sikhs have never tolerated government interference in their religious affairs and gurdwara management and will never tolerate the same. It appealed to the Sangat to be aware and consciously take responsibility for the Chardi Kala (high spirit) of the community.
Similarly, in a resolution, the proceedings of the US Congress House started for the first time with a Sikh prayer, and the efforts of Sikhs who made this possible were appreciated.
The General House paid homage to many prominent personalities of the Panth who passed away in the past and recited Mool Mantra and Gur Mantra to offer them condolences. Among these personalities include Parkash Singh Badal Patron Shiromani Akali Dal, former head granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh, SGPC members Nirmal Singh Hariao, Sarwan Singh Kular, Sukhdev Singh Bahia, former deputy speaker Bir Devinder, Sikh scholar Swaran Singh Chuslewarh, Sikh scholar Prof Prithipal Singh Kapur, former president of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board Bhupinder Singh and Begum Munwar Un Nisa, last heir of Nawab Malerkotla.