Amritsar, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has approved several key decisions, including the construction of memorials for Bhai Gurdas Ji and Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji at the Golden Temple complex and a memorial for Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra at Harike Pattan.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the SGPC’s Executive Committee chaired by its president, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami.
Dhami said memorial sites dedicated to Bhai Gurdas Ji and Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji would be developed on both sides of Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbakhsh Singh Ji within the Sri Darbar Sahib complex. He said both figures hold an important place in Sikh history and rendered significant services at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
The Executive Committee also decided to organise collective prayers across gurdwaras on August 29 for the welfare and release of Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs. Sri Akhand Path Sahib will commence on August 27, with bhog and collective prayers scheduled for August 29.
SGPC-run educational institutions and trusts will also organise Sri Sukhmani Sahib recitations and prayers for the welfare of the Bandi Singhs on August 29.
Dhami said the committee had demanded immediate parole for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara to allow him to meet his seriously ill elderly mother. He also expressed concern over the continued delay in the case concerning the commutation of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana’s death sentence, alleging that governments had failed to resolve matters concerning Bandi Singhs.
The committee also granted in-principle approval for a memorial dedicated to Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra at Harike Pattan, following directions issued by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Dhami said a site would be selected and work would begin soon.
The Executive Committee condemned praise being expressed by Congress leaders for Sajjan Kumar following his death. Dhami said the elevation of individuals accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh killings to senior political positions and subsequent praise for them reflected, in his view, the Congress party’s attitude towards Sikhs. He said those responsible should have faced stringent punishment so that victims’ families could receive justice and solace.
The committee also strongly condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Dhami said attacking anyone who visits a gurdwara to pay obeisance was against the sanctity and discipline of the religious institution.
The SGPC further condemned an incident at Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib in Edmonton, Canada, where a man allegedly attacked and injured sevadars. Dhami urged the authorities to take strict action against the accused.
The Executive Committee approved financial assistance of Rs 2.5 crore for Meeri-Piri Medical College, Shahabad Markanda. It also approved various matters concerning gurdwaras, trusts, educational institutions and administrative operations.
During the meeting, prayers were offered for the departed souls of SGPC members Gurmel Singh Sangatpura and Bhupinder Singh Anand, as well as US-based Gurpreet Singh of Ganda Singh Wala.
The meeting was attended by SGPC senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk, junior vice-president Baldev Singh Kalyan, general secretary Sher Singh Mandwala, along with other Executive Committee members, office-bearers, officials and staff.
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