AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—In a press note shared with Sikh24, the Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma has said that the Pathi Singhs had committed violation of Sikh code of conduct by protesting inside the sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib. He said that they protest against Sukhbir Badal was totally condemnable.
He however held that demands of these Pathis were genuine and should be considered.
Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma stated in the press release that maintaining the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was a moral duty of every Sikh but by violating the Sikh code of conduct, the Pathi Singhs have hurt sentiments of entire community.
Baba Dhumma expressed deep concern over this unfortunate incident that occurred first time in the history of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee. “This was the first time Pathi Singhs have raised their demands in this fashion,” he added.
It may be recalled here that the Pathi Singhs had staged a protest on July 31 inside the sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib against the SGPC during visit of SAD president Sukhbir Badal. SGPC Pathi Singhs were seeking increased wages and other benefits.
Due to the protest, 24 out of total 41 running Sri Akhand Path Sahibs were halted while only 17 could pursue smoothly. However, the protest had forced the apex Sikh body to partially address grievance of Pathi Singhs by raising their wages from Rs. 600 per session to Rs. 800 per session besides entitling them to group medical insurance scheme.