Gurpreet Singh :- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday held a special meeting with preachers, dhadis and kavishars of the Majha region at Teja Singh Samundri Hall to review preparations for the upcoming Panthic conference scheduled to be held at Baba Bakala on May 31.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said the conference aimed to spread awareness among the Sikh community and strengthen Panthic unity. He also recalled the martyrs of the historic Paonta Sahib episode, stating that ‘Sri Akhand Path Sahib’ bhog and ardas were performed in their memory during the early morning hours. Harian Velan chief Sant Baba Nihal Singh also attended the occasion.
Speaking on incidents of sacrilege, the SGPC chief reiterated the committee’s long-standing demand for stringent legislation, including provisions ranging from life imprisonment to capital punishment for those found guilty of desecration of religious scriptures. He criticised the Punjab Government, alleging that the proposed law had not yet been adequately published in Punjabi or communicated effectively to the public.
Dhami further said the SGPC had been actively educating people on the issue and issued directions to office-bearers and preachers regarding arrangements for the Panthic gathering.
Referring to a viral video from a gurdwara in the United States showing a police officer allegedly entering the premises wearing shoes, Dhami termed the incident unfortunate and urged Sikh sangat and local management committees abroad to avoid internal disputes that could invite police intervention inside gurdwaras. He also appealed to overseas gurdwara committees to coordinate with local authorities and sensitise them about Sikh religious maryada, including covering the head and removing footwear before entering the premises.
He also urged the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take carefully considered decisions on sensitive issues related to Sikh maryada arising from foreign countries so that confusion among gurdwara managements could be avoided.
