AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—The five Singhs who were suspended from their seva by the SGPC have accepted the role assigned by the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara regarding leading the Sarbat Khalsa 2016. They made the announcement regarding accepting the role today before the media at Sri Amritsar Sahib. These five Singhs were performing seva of Punj Pyare at Akal Takht Sahib amrit sanchars before being suspended by the SGPC for summoning SGPC appointed Jathedars as they had issued pardon to Sira cult leader Gurmit Ram Rahim.
Interacting with the media, Bhai Satnam Singh Khanda said, “With Guru’s blessing, we are ready to lead Sarbat Khalsa 2016 scheduled to be held at Talwandi Sabo on November 10. We will make every decision about Sikh issues as per the consent of Sikh sangat. Every decision will be taken as per traditional Sikh customs,” Bhai Khanda ensured while indicating of making proper protocol to save the institution of Sarbat Khalsa.
Meanwhile, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), S. Simranjit Singh Mann has expressed doubts over the authenticity of letter by Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara. S. Mann said that something seems “fishy” in the letter. “Either Jathedar Hawara has been misguided, or the letter was not authentic,” he said. He added that the Punj Singhs were not in favour of Sarbat Khalsa last year.
A press note issued by Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) published on its website states, “It seems someone misused Bhai Hawara’s name or it could be that being incarcerated behind the bars several kilometers away, Bhai Hawara may not be acquainted with the ground realities of Punjab.”
The press note states that the command of Punj Singhs leading Sarbat Khalsa has been largely condemned by Panthik organizations. It also further states that lately, Punj Pyare are only given responsibility to perform amrit sanchar or to lead Nagar Kirtan and their role has been limited to that as per recent Sikh history.
Simranjit Singh Mann added, “It would be best if Bhai Hawara only issues edicts through other Jathedars and not through his own sources. We will only accept his command if he issues it through other Jathedars.” S. Mann also lashed out on the Punj Singhs, alleging that these five Singhs have never taken any decision that benefitted the Panth.
On October 2, Advocate Amar Singh Chahal had released a letter in which Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara had asked the Panj Singhs to lead the Sarbat Khalsa 2016 at Talwandi Sabo on November 10. In his letter, Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara clearly mentioned that Sarbat Khalsa initiative will be led by Bhai Satnam Singh Khanda, Bhai Major Singh, Bhai Tarlok Singh, Bhai Mangal Singh and Bhai Satnam Singh Khalsa.
In his letter, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara said that the Khalsa Panth is going through crucial times. He had called upon all to recognize their responsibility during these times.
“Very humbly, I request the Khalsa Panth that for the Sarbat Khalsa on November 10, 2016 will be held under the supervision of the Punj Pyare. I respectfully ask Bhai Satnaam Singh Khanda, Bhai Satnam Singh Khalsa, Bhai Major Singh, Bhai Tarlok Singh and Bhai Mangal Singh to lead Sarbat Khalsa 2016. To organize the Sarbat Khalsa, an executive committee will be formed which will work under the guidance of these five Singhs and the Jathedars” read the letter sent by Jathedar Hawara.