SGPC held brief ceremony to avoid conflict: Secretary SGPC
Amritsar, March 11:
Responding to the misleading propaganda being made about the appointment of the newly appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Partap Singh said that in view of the current Panthic situation, the appointment of the Jathedar was held in a brief manner to avoid any conflict between the community members. He said that the SGPC respects Sikh organizations and does not want any conflict to arise among Sikhs. He said that the ceremony for the appointment of Giani Kuldeep Singh, who was appointed as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by the SGPC’s Executive Committee, was held on March 10, but due to opposition from some Nihang Singh organizations and reports of deteriorating atmosphere from the administration, this ceremony was held in a brief manner. He said that Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh had reached Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in the Amrit Vela, following which, Ardas (Sikh prayer) was offered by Giani Joginder Singh, Head Granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and he was then given turban by the Panj Piaras (five beloved ones) of the Takht. After this, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh went into the sanctum sanctorum of the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib to pay obeisance and joined the first Ardas in the morning. At this time, a large number of Sikh devotees were also present at the Takht.
He said that it is completely wrong that when Giani Kuldeep Singh to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the Shastars (weapons) were not in place at the Takht. When Giani Kuldeep Singh went to pay obeisance at Takht Sahib, the historical weapons had been kept after the morning service and presented.
Partap Singh said that Hola Mohalla is celebrated with community’s grandeur at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and the presence of the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in these events is necessary. In view of this, the Sewa Sambhal Samagam was organized. He appealed to the devotees to be wary of misleading propaganda.