Amritsar – Expressing deep concern and strong resentment, Karnail Singh Peermohmmed, Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and Patron of the Sikh Students Federation, strongly condemned the sudden removal of Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh from the prestigious post of Head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Terming the action as completely contrary to Panthic traditions, politically motivated, and highly unfortunate, Peermohmmed launched a scathing attack on the political entities controlling the religious bodies.
In an official statement issued today, Peermohmmed heavily criticised the political factions currently monopolising the administrative structure of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). He categorically stated that the frequent and arbitrary reshuffling of crucial religious posts in a sacred and supreme institution like Sri Darbar Sahib severely damages its stability, independent existence, and great Maryada (code of conduct).
“The monopoly and unnecessary interference of a specific political family in our core religious affairs is continuously eroding the dignity of apex Sikh institutions. This dictatorial approach is causing immense disappointment and anger within the community globally,” says Peermohmmed.
Lauding the unparalleled and undisputed Panthic services of Giani Raghbir Singh, Peermohmmed added that suddenly sidelining such a high-calibre Gursikh and profound scholar without any solid justification deeply wounds the religious sentiments of the global Sangat.
Making a strong appeal to the SGPC office-bearers, he urged that Panthic sentiments and spiritual merit must remain paramount over fulfilling the personal or political agendas of a single family when making such critical decisions.
Striking a stern warning note, Peermohmmed concluded, “The post of the Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib is not an ordinary administrative or political position; rather, it is the supreme center of the spiritual leadership of the entire Sikh community. The blatant interference of political rulers in this spiritual domain is creating a great dilemma and deep distrust. The 72-hour notice issued to Giani Raghbir Singh is nothing but a scripted drama to cover up the forced ouster already executed under the direct instructions of the Badal family.
The factions causing such irreparable harm to the Panth will inevitably have to face the wrath of the Sangat in the future