Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has issued a strong appeal to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), urging the religious body to extend its full cooperation to the state government in its investigation into the case of 328 missing saroops (volumes) of the Guru Granth Sahib. He emphasized that the matter is of grave religious significance and should be kept above political maneuvering.
Speaker Questions SGPC's Opposition to Legal Action
Sandhwan pointedly questioned the SGPC's vehement opposition to the legal proceedings initiated by the Punjab government. He drew a parallel, reminding that the Sikh community was deeply shaken by the incident of a single sacred saroop being scattered. "If one saroop could cause such pain, why is there resistance to action on 328?" he asked. The Speaker made it clear that issues directly related to the Guru Sahib should be free from political games.
He further alleged that the SGPC is misusing offerings (donations) from devotees and is actively misleading the Sangat (congregation) regarding the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the state authorities. The SGPC has framed the government's necessary legal action as an interference in Sikh religious affairs, a claim Sandhwan strongly refuted.
Demand for Accountability on Missing Holy Volumes
At the heart of the controversy is a demand for transparency. Sandhwan directly challenged the SGPC to clarify its stance and provide answers on the whereabouts of the 328 holy saroops. The disappearance of such a large number of sacred scriptures represents a major administrative and religious failure, according to the Speaker's statements.
He also raised serious concerns about the conduct of the SGPC's Task Force. Sandhwan questioned under whose orders the Task Force made attacks on members of the Sangat who were peacefully demanding action and answers regarding the missing saroops.
Government Forced to Step In, Says Sandhwan
Sandhwan explained that the Punjab government's decision to take strict legal action was a direct result of the SGPC's failure to fulfil its fundamental responsibilities. The move was made considering the profound sentiments of the global Sikh community, which demanded accountability and justice. The state administration felt compelled to intervene to address the grievances of the faithful and ensure a proper investigation into the mysterious disappearance.
The Speaker's statements highlight a significant and growing rift between the state's political leadership and the premier Sikh religious management body over an issue that touches the core of Sikh religious reverence. The call for cooperation underscores the urgency to resolve the matter and provide closure to the concerned community.
