Belgium :We, the representatives of Gurdwaras across Europe, strongly condemn the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) backed Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for prematurely and arbitrarily removing Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh and Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Giani Sultan Singh by the Executive Committee (EC) of the SGPC without due consideration for the profound religious significance of the position of Jathedar, and instead, the decision is driven by political motives aimed at advancing their own interests.
On Sunday, representatives from Gurdwaras across Europe held meetings in their respective Gurdwaras which was followed by an online meeting, where they unanimously rejected the EC’s decision to remove the two Jathedars. They denounced the earlier decision to terminate Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh .
The actions of the SGPC which is predominantly composed of members from the SAD are politically motivated and designed to serve the interests of the Badal family while undermining the esteemed status and authority of the Jathedars.
We demand that the SGPC reinstate the Jathedars to their rightful positions and we also demand from SAD to refrain from interfering in religious matters.
Furthermore, we urge the SGPC to establish a transparent and honorable process for the appointment and removal of Jathedars, in consultation with Sikh organizations worldwide.
Rajwinder Singh
Spokesperson
Gurdwaras of Europe