Moga, Punjab (June 26, 2014): 20 days after the clashes took place at Shri Akal Takhat, the five-member sub-committee formed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to probe the clashes has recommended to “forgive” all 22 Sikh youths, who were arrested on the day of clashes.
According to a press note released today, the panel has submitted its report to SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar on Thursday. This report is already rejected and opposed by various Sikh bodies including Dal Kahlsa.
The panel has recommended pardon for the 22 youths who were arrested by the police after the incident and are currently in jail, said the press note.
“These youths wrote to Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, pleading that they are ready for any religious punishment the Takht hands out to them”, quoted the press note SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur.
It is claimed in the press note by quoting Bhaur that These persons said they felt sorry about whatever happened inside the shrine and are dedicated to the Akal Takht. Their letter was sent by the Akal Takht to the sub-committee on Wednesday.
The sub-committee submitted its report after examining the CCTV footage of the entire incident and questioning SGPC employees and others on duty.
The SGPC general secretary further said, “After looking at the footage and photographs, it seems that during the June 6 function, some people hardly cared about the sanctity of the Akal Takht. They repeatedly fought with granthis and the staff.”
Bhaur added, “The violent incident that took place inside the Darbar Sahib complex was criticised the world over and brought a bad name to the community. We have submitted a detailed report to the SGPC chief for further action.”
The SGPC had formed a panel to probe the matter, comprising Baba Nihal Singh Hariavelawale, who heads the Harianvelawale dera; Baba Avtar Singh, head of the Bidhi Chand sect; SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur; SGPC executive member Karnail Singh Panjoli; and SGPC additional secretary Balwinder Singh Jaurasinghia.