Takht Patna Sahib panel demands removal of jathedars, backs edict
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Amritsar: The Takht Harimandir Patna Sahib management committee has demanded the removal of Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, backing the "hukamnama" (edict) issued by the "Panj Pyare".
"We honour the supremacy of the Akal Takht and follow its maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct), but our constitution was framed in 1861. Accordingly, we will not take directions from the Akal Takht, especially from the Sikh high priests who themselves were appointed in violation of the Akal Takht maryada. Instead, we demand their removal," said Harpal Singh Johal, spokesperson, Takht Harimandir Patna Sahib management committee on Thursday.
The toughening of the stance comes after the Sikh high priests on Wednesday summoned Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Bhai Baldev Singh and additional head granthi Gurdial Singh, prompting the Panj Pyare of Takht Patna Sahib to declare Giani Gargaj and Baba Tek Singh "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct).
At the same time, the Sikh high priests of Punjab-based Takhts on Thursday defended their decisions.
"Action was taken on issues pending for a long time as per records of the secretariat," said a release issued by the Akal Takht secretariat.
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It added that the five Sikh high priests discussed and acted upon the long-pending matter related to Takht Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib.
The release quoted a meeting of five Sikh high priests held on Dec 6, 2022, giving directions to Bhai Baldev Singh and transfer of Bhai Gurdial Singh, which was not complied with.
The release also maintained that the former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar, who was excommunicated, once again submitted a petition requesting resolution of his case.
"The five Sikh high priests have taken action on the long-pending matter of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, as it is imperative to resolve petitions submitted to the Akal Takht in accordance with Panthic traditions," said the release.
It stated that the Takht Patna Sahib management committee should not create a situation of conflict among the Takhts but act with sincerity and unity in accordance with Panthic traditions and principles and fully comply with the orders of Akal Takht.
According to Sikh Rehat Maryada, the Akal Takht is the highest among the five Takhts, and its decisions and orders are binding on all Takhts and the entire Sikh community.
"No group of Panj Pyare from any Takht has the authority to question the supremacy of Akal Takht," said the release.
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SGPC chief calls for dialogue
Stating that the Sikh Takhts hold immense historical and doctrinal significance within the Panth, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, "It is a collective responsibility of the community to uphold their dignity and respect.
Following the decisions made by the Sikh high priests from the Akal Takht, the subsequent order issued by the Panj Pyare from Takht Patna Sahib has not sent a positive message to the community.
" Dhami emphasised that matters concerning Panthic institutions and issues must be dealt with seriousness and maturity, suggesting mutual dialogue as the best path forward. He said that the atmosphere of internal conflict was creating confusion within the community.
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