Milpitas(California)– The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) condemns the recent decision by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to remove two esteemed Jathedars from their sacred positions. Giani Raghbir Singh has been removed from the post of Akal Takht Jathedar, and Giani Sultan Singh has been dismissed from his role as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
NAPA expressed its deep concern and disappointment over these removals, calling it a blatant act of vengeance by the SGPC leadership. According to NAPA’s President, Chahal, this decision reflects the undue influence and power of a select few individuals within the SGPC’s working committee, further jeopardizing the sanctity of these prestigious positions.
“These two Jathedars held some of the highest spiritual roles in the Sikh community, and their removal signifies that individuals in these positions are now subject to the whims of a few within the SGPC,” said Chahal. “This has sparked great resentment and concern among the Sikh diaspora worldwide, especially those in North America.”
Chahal further emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of the Akal Takht in Amritsar and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib (Rupnagar district), which are among the five sacred Takhts (seats of temporal authority) of Sikhism. These institutions carry immense responsibility for the faith and its followers, and their leadership should not be swayed by political motives.
“This is an affront to the values of Sikhism and the centuries-old principles upon which the Sikh Panth is built. The removal of these distinguished Jathedars undermines the very foundation of the Sikh faith,” added Chahal.
NAPA calls for the restoration of Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh to their respective positions and urges the SGPC to act in accordance with the will of the Sikh community, focusing on unity and spirituality rather than divisive actions that harm the integrity of Sikh institutions.