AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Despite formally getting reinstated by SGPC President Avtar Makkar, the ‘Panj Payre’ of Sri Akal Takht Sahib have clearly indicated to remain firm about their decree of terminating Takht Jathedars for their role in granting an unasked for pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim in a blasphemy case.
Makkar has had to face sharp opposition from Sikh masses following his decision of suspending the ‘Panj Pyare’ of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. In a bid to overcome the tense scenes in Punjab, President Makkar had reinstated ‘Panj Pyares’ after discussing the matter with Parkash Badal.
Makkar’s order of re-instating ‘Panj Pyare’ is not likely to give him any reprieve as the ‘Panj’ have entangled the Makkar in a catch-22 situation by not budging from their stance of terminating the Takht Jathedars.
On being contacted by media, Makkar remained tight-lipped on queries pertaining to ‘Panj Pyare’.
General Secretary of Sikh Youth Front Bhai Papalpreet Singh has said that the Makkar’s move of reinstating ‘Panj Pyare’ was politically motivated with the puppeteer being Badal.
Makkar was intending on replacing the ‘Panj Pyare’ from Akal Takht Sahib after reinstating them, but the firm stance of ‘Panj Pyare’ on the removal of the Jathedars has further entangled Makkar.