Akal Takht Shifts Position on Missing Saroops Investigation
In a significant development, Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has softened his stance regarding government cooperation in the case of 328 missing saroops of Guru Granth Sahib. This move comes just three days before Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to appear before the Akal Takht on January 15.
Directive for Cooperation Issued
On Monday, Giani Gargaj directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to extend due cooperation to the government in this sensitive matter. He specifically authorized SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami to provide assistance strictly related to the issue of the missing sacred copies.
However, this authorization came with a clear condition. The Akal Takht statement emphasized that the Panth never tolerated and will never tolerate any government interference within SGPC jurisdiction. It reaffirmed SGPC's position as the elected representative and apex Sikh body.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The Akal Takht explained that this decision was taken in view of confusion being created within the Sangat regarding the saroops case. The statement indicated that the larger interests of the community were kept in mind while making this determination.
This marks a notable shift from the previous position. Recently, SGPC secretary Partap Singh had stated that the committee would neither extend cooperation to police administration nor provide any records, following Akal Takht directives.
Background of Growing Tensions
The statement emerged amid growing animosity between the state government and the two Sikh bodies of SGPC and Akal Takht. Last week, Giani Gargaj had summoned Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to appear at the Akal Takht secretariat on January 15 concerning the missing saroops issue.
Mann had requested live-streaming of his appearance at the Akal Takht secretariat. The summoning itself became controversial when the Akal Takht referred to Mann as a "patit" or apostate. Critics challenged this characterization, arguing that Mann was never a baptized Sikh, and that only a baptized Sikh can be deemed "patit" upon committing any of the four transgressions outlined in Sikh code of conduct.
Specific Conditions for Cooperation
Giani Gargaj specified the terms of cooperation clearly. "If the government requires any information from the SGPC for investigation purposes, the required information may be examined at the SGPC's Chandigarh sub-office in the presence of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami," he stated.
SGPC Response to New Directions
In a separate statement, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami confirmed that the committee would take required action in accordance with directions issued by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj. Dhami clarified that as per the latest directions now issued, SGPC would initiate appropriate action.
"In this regard, once contacted by the special investigation team, action will be taken in accordance with the spirit of the order," Dhami affirmed. This development indicates a potential thaw in the strained relations between Sikh religious authorities and the Punjab government regarding the investigation into the missing sacred texts.
