Amritsar Sahib (KP) – Several important issues were discussed at a meeting held between the Jathedars of the five Takhts on March 29 at Akal Takht Sahib. Primarily, the much awaited verdict in regards to the misconduct of Veer Bhupinder Singh (associate of ex-communicated Kala Afghana) was announced by Akal Takht Sahib.
Veer Bhupinder Singh declared guilty of religious misconduct
Veer Bhupinder Singh was announced guilty of religious misconduct for ‘altering’ the guidelines of the lavan in an anand karaj held at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib. Missionary Giani Surjit Singh, Baldev Singh (Gurmat Parchar Jatha) and Granthi Jai Krishan Singh, an associates of Veer Bhupinder Singh, assisted the performance of the controversial Anand Karaj. Veer Bhupinder Singh had earlier pleaded innocence but the Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) imposed a ban on Veer Bhupinder Singh, along with Surjit Singh and Baldev Singh while dismissing Granthi Jai Krishan Singh from his duties.
Clarification by Jaswinder Singh (APKF)
Jaswinder Singh Advocate, a member of the SGPC and leader of the so-called Akal Purakh Ki Fauj (APKF) organization, who also appeared at Akal Takhat Sahib, offered his clarification for carrying out an anti-Dasam Granth protest in Jammu and for burning effigy of Parkash Badal. The protest was organized by the Jammu Youth wing of Akal Purakh Ki Fauj. According to Jaswinder Singh, the Jammu based Youth Wing has already been halted and a new committee will be setup there shortly.
Amendments to Nanakshahi Calendar
It was also announced that a separate meeting will be held to decide the dates to observe the Parkash divas of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib Ji. In addition, the SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar who was not present at the meeting proposed that the Parkash Divas of Guru Nanak Dev Ji should be observed on November 24, while the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji should be observed on November 15.
Pal Singh Purewal, the architect of the calendar, expressed annoyance at the decision of the SGPC President and clarified that although amendments could be made; there are certain guidelines which must be followed. While addressing the press remotely, he suggested SGPC to ether refer to Akal Takhat Sahib before making amendments or construct an 11 member committee to supervise the task of managing the calendar events.
The meeting was attended by Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti (Sri Akal Takht Sahib), Giani Iqbal Singh (Takht Sri Patna Sahib), Giani Tirlochan Singh (Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib), Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh (Takht Sri Damdama Sahib) and Giani Jagtar Singh Ji (Sri Harmandir Sahib).
