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Chandigarh, October 22: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Avtar Singh Makkar might have anticipated stiff opposition when he summoned meeting of the executive committee after suspending five sanctified ‘Panj Piaras’ of Akal Takht and six others. His apprehension was correct. The developments spread over the last 72 hours in the Sikh religious domain have been unprecedented.
The ‘crime’ of these Panj Piaras was that they had summoned the so perceived all powerful five high priests for their controversial decisions relating to exoneration of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.
Manjit Singh Calcutta, who has been the secretary of the SGPC for years when this body used to have only one secretary, and is well versed with the Sikh doctrine and traditions, is of the opinion that as these sanctified ‘panj piaras’ represent the institution started by Guru Gobind Singh who never defied it, they were within their rights to summon high priests.
Makkar had convened the meeting to get approval from the executive for his decision to suspend them. However, he faced stiff opposition from almost every member. It was finally left to him to take the final call with a warning that in case of a wrong decision, he would have to own up the responsibility. The issue has become very sensitive.
Ironically, Dr Roop Singh, perhaps the only person in the SGPC establishment who understand the doctrine and norms, himself stands suspended. He is the senior most secretary and is a researcher on Sikh theology.
The opposition to the suspension decision has come even from its general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur who is credited with the view that the Sikh community is in need of seasoned leadership.
It was made clear to Makkar that the Sikhs would never forgive him for any wrong decision at this crucial juncture.
Makker later justified the Sikh upsurge over desecration of Guru Granth Sahib saying it can never be tolerated.
