The move is likely to prevent the Panj Pyaras’ meeting, thus giving the SGPC time to deal with their demand for Takht heads’ removal
AMRITSAR – Two days after it revoked the suspension of Panj Pyaras (the five beloved ones), the SGPC today reinstated its six other employees, including two secretaries, who were suspended for “violating” administrative norms.
The Panj Pyaras had faced action by the Sikh body on October 21 soon after they summoned the five high priests (Takht heads) over pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a blasphemy case. The same day, the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) suspended secretaries Dr Roop Singh and Manjit Singh for allegedly failing to prevent the summoning of the jathedars.
The other four employees–‘raagis’ Karaj Singh and Harcharan Singh, superviser Harpal Singh and ‘parcharak’ (preacher) Surjit Singh–were suspended for raising slogans against Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh at Gurdwara Manji Sahib hall on October 20 immediately after the controversial pardon was ordered. Avtar Singh Makkar, SGPC president, confirmed the six employees had been reinstated, calling it a decision “in the interests of the community”. About the sanctity of the ‘gurmata’ (religious decree) adopted by the Panj Pyaras demanding the resignations of the Takht heads, Makkar said the final call would be taken by the SGPC executive committee during their next meeting.
The SGPC, meanwhile, has issued a stern warning to its entire staff against violating administrative norms.
