Nanded/Chandigarh, Feb 9, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami today joined the protest launched by the Sikh Sangat to force the Maharashtra government to withdraw its decision to reconstitute the gurdwara management board to take over control of the holy shrine.
The SGPC president, who reached here today along with senior vice president Rajinder Singh Mehta and Ajmer Singh Khaira and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) senior leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, also met the Sri Hazur Sahib Jathedar – Giani Kulwant Singh and discussed the entire issue arising out of the amendment of the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956.
Mr Harjinder Dhami assured the Takhat Jathedar of the unstinted support of the SGPC and the SAD to get this anti-Sikh decision reversed.
Terming the amendments made in the Takhat management Act whereby the number of government nominees has been increased from two to twelve, the SGPC president said “this decision has been taken without taking into consideration the sentiments of the Sikh community. It cannot be tolerated”. He also termed the move as a direct interference in the religious affairs of the Sikhs.
Urging Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde to reconsider the arbitrary decision, Mr Dhami said “I am sure the chief minister understands that the Sikh community is best equipped to manage the affairs of the religious shrine and maintain due sanctity. It should be allowed to do so”.
He said the Sri Hazur Sahib management Act of 1956 also served as a regulatory framework for the management, maintenance, and operation of Sikh gurdwaras in the region and reconstituting it would create resentment as well as a feeling of distrust in the Sikh community.
Meanwhile a massive protest was held at Nanded to protest against the Maharashtra government’s decision to reconstitute the Gurdwara management board.
Thousands of Sikhs from the neighbouring areas as well as from various parts of Maharashtra congregated here to protest against the move and demand the old Act in which due representation was given to the SGPC, Sachkhand Hazur Khalsa Diwan, Chief Khalsa Diwan and Sikh MPs be restored.
Meanwhile, in view of the gravity of the situation, Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh has also reached here on behalf of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. EOM
