The Panthak Assembly, a group formed by various Sikh leaders, has issued an open letter addressed to all members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), urging them to raise questions over recent developments concerning the institution and seek an impartial inquiry into the Bahrain-related case.
The move comes after serious allegations were levelled by a woman who arrived from Bahrain against an SGPC member. The matter has generated discussion within Sikh circles, with questions being raised about various aspects of the case and the role of the SGPC. Protests have also been held against SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami in connection with the issue.
The open letter was issued by a group including former Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh, former SGPC member Jaswinder Singh, former SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Advocate Navkiran Singh, Rana Inderjit Singh of Gurmat Gian Missionary College, Khushhal Singh of the Central Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Professor Balwinder Pal Singh, Amarjit Singh of Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Missionary College, Manjinder Kaur of Ludhiana, Salochan Bir Singh of Virsa Foundation Ludhiana, Paramjit Singh of Sikh Missionary College and Surinder Pal Singh of Jalandhar.
Advocate Jaswinder Singh said the leaders held an online meeting before issuing the open letter in the name of SGPC members. The letter raises several questions concerning the allegations made by the woman from Bahrain and the facilities allegedly provided to her by the SGPC.
Among the questions raised is who brought the woman from Bahrain, who arranged or facilitated her travel and tickets, and who recommended her stay for an extended period at SGPC sarais. The letter also asks under whose authority an SGPC vehicle and driver were allegedly made available for her use.
The Panthak Assembly has further sought clarification on whether financial assistance was provided to the woman from SGPC funds or by an SGPC member or employee. If such assistance was provided, the letter asks who authorised it and under which budgetary provision.
Questions have also been raised over whether the rules governing stays at SGPC sarais were followed in this case. The group has asked whether any special exemption was granted for the extended stay and, if so, who authorised it and for what reason.
According to the leaders, around 12 questions have been included in the open letter. They said the SGPC is not the private institution of any individual, political party or faction, but an institution of the Sikh Panth. Therefore, they urged SGPC members to raise the questions through appropriate forums.
The leaders acknowledged that the SGPC has constituted an inquiry committee to examine the matter. However, they said the inquiry should not remain limited only to allegations against two individuals and should also examine the wider questions connected with the case.
The Panthak Assembly leaders said SGPC members have a primary responsibility to protect the institution’s reputation, credibility and maryada. They urged the members to seek an impartial investigation and answers to all relevant questions at every appropriate forum.
The development comes amid growing discussion and protests surrounding the Bahrain-related allegations and the functioning of the SGPC in handling the matter.