‘Ban’ on kirpan: Sikh clergy summons US gurdwara chief
Tuesday, 26/03/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130326/punjab.htm#7
Amritsar : Taking serious note of the alleged ban on ‘kirpan’ at Gurdwara of Rochester, the Sikh clergy today directed the gurdwara management committee chief, Santokh Singh Badesha, to appear before the Akal Takht within a month and clarify on the court orders in this regard.
Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said though they received a letter from Badesha, saying that there was no ban on ‘kirpan’, the Sikh high priests have asked him to personally appear before the Akal Takht and give his clarification along with relevant documents.
Warning issued
The clergy has warned him of action as per ‘Gurmaryada’ if he fails to follow their directions. Earlier, it was alleged that the board of trustees of the Gurdwara of Rochester had itself got a ban imposed on wearing ‘kirpan’ in the shrine.
Sacrilege in Pakistan
The Sikh high priests have also taken a note of reports of sacrilege pouring in from the gurdwaras in neighbouring Pakistan. The Akal Takht Jathedar said the SGPC has already written a letter to the Pakistan government as well as Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The meeting saw serious deliberations on the issue, following which the PSGPC was directed to pay attention towards managing gurdwara affairs in a proper manner.
Restricting loudspeakers
The Sikh clergy has also directed all the gurdwaras to restrict the volume of loudspeakers within the premises so that it doesn’t cause any inconvenience to students and patients.
Ban on use of scent
In another move, the Sikh high priests have directed the Sikh Sangat not to spray scent during the Holla Mohalla celebrations at the Golden Temple on March 28, contending that some scents also have alcohol content, which is tantamount to sacrilege.
Website launch deferred
The launch of the Akal Takht’s website, which was to take place today, has been postponed to April 1. It will be inaugurated by SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar.
