Amritsar (Punjab): Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, on Monday directed the Punjab Government to ensure that only Amritdhari Sikh officers are included in the Special Investigation Team probing the case related to the disappearance of 328 saroops, citing the religious sensitivity of the matter.
Addressing the media in Amritsar, the Jathedar alleged that members of the existing SIT had violated Sikh maryada during the investigation process. He said the issue involves deep religious sentiments and sacred traditions, and therefore requires investigators who strictly follow Sikh principles. He instructed the state government to reconstitute the SIT to reflect this requirement.
During the interaction, Giani Gargajj also appealed to the Sikh community to refrain from throwing gulal during Hola Mohalla celebrations. He stressed that Sikh festivals should be observed in accordance with established traditions and discipline, without practices that do not align with Sikh religious conduct.
Reacting to recent remarks made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the Acting Jathedar reaffirmed that Sikhs are a distinct and independent community with their own identity, traditions and religious code. He said any attempt to dilute or misrepresent this uniqueness would not be acceptable.
The Jathedar further demanded the registration of FIRs against officials involved in an incident in Bathinda where Sikh students were allegedly forced to remove their kara during an examination. Terming the act a serious infringement of religious freedom, he said such actions were unacceptable in Punjab, adding that denying Sikhs the right to wear their kakars undermines efforts to safeguard Sikh rights at national and international levels.
