Amritsar, Punjab (May 21, 2014): It is learnt that the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) on May 20 claimed that the ‘Sikh Sangat’ in Pakistan had accepted to observe ‘Gurpurabs’ as per the amended Nanakshahi Calendar.
However, according to certain media reports Bishen Singh, former president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (PSGPC) said the PSGPC was yet to officially take any decision in this regard.
The press release by SGPC stated the eight-member delegation led by Avtar Singh Makkar, paid obeisance at Nankana Sahib on May 20.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Avtar Singh Makkar reportedly said they were visiting Pakistan to hold discussions with the Sikhs about the implementation of Akal Takht’s ‘maryada’. He said while the SGPC was managing the gurdwara affairs, running schools, colleges and hospitals, it was also its responsibility to ensure the implementation of Akal Takht’s ‘maryada’.
He said it was the prime duty of every Sikh to follow the directions of Akal Takht.
He, however, said some differences had come to the fore with the PSGPC over some ‘gurpurabs’ and they would make the efforts to evolve a consensus during their visit.
The release further stated that when Avtar Singh Makkar appealed the Sikh Sangat to observe ‘gurpurabs’ as per Akal Takht’s decision, former PSGPC Chief Mastan Singh accepted their approval.
According to the press release Avtar Singh Makkar also assured the Sikh Sangat that they would be taken into confidence whenever a decision about the community was taken in future.
Meanwhile Dal Khalsa has said that Avtar Singh Makkar has attempted to cheat the Sikhs on Nanakshahi Calendar issue.