AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjb—In the wake of 351st Parkash Purab anniversary celebrations of tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee has dispatched 500 SGPC employees to Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar). Along with executive members Partap Singh and Chanan Singh, SGPC task force employees are part of the delegation.
“We want to ensure that entire program goes as planned and as smooth as possible,” SGPC executive member Dr. Roop Singh told Sikh24. “These SGPC employees have been sent to Takht Sri Patna Sahib to supervise the special programmes planned for the birth anniversary celebrations.”
Speaking with Sikh24, SGPC Secretary Dr. Roop Singh also informed that the SGPC has sent 10 Hazoori Raagis of the sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib, Granthi Singhs, Dhadi and Kavishri Jathas along with staff of missionary colleges and cooks.
“SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal will attend the main event, which is being sponsored by the apex body” he added.
When asked about possibility of clash at the event between rival factions, Dr. Roop Singh said they are not anticipating any conflict, however, SGPC is ready to do anything to ensure celebrations go on smoothly.
Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh was removed from his seva by Sarbat Khalsa 2015 gathering. Since then, the post has remained vacant. There is also an internal conflict going on between two rival factions led by Avtar Singh Makkar (former SGPC President) and Harvinder Singh Sarna of Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi).