‘Framework for 'Jathedar' Soon’; Ambedkar Statue Casing Defaced

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami has said the framework for the qualification, appointment, jurisdiction and retirement of the Jathedar (leader) of Akal Takht (eternal throne, AT) will soon be established and a high-level committee will be formed. He said, the appointment for the vacant position of the AT Jathedar will be made in consultation with Panthic (Sikh collective) organizations and emphasised that Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct), traditions, and history are the guiding principles. It must be noted that Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj is an acting Jathedar until the new Jathedar is appointed. The SGPC has made a call to Sikhs all around the world to submit their suggestions on the framework, but it has not committed to not control the AT and its Jathedar. Meanwhile, nearly three and a half months after he was arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, septuagenarian Sikh activist Narain Singh Chaura was granted bail on 25 Mar. The assassination attempt was on 4 Dec 2024 when Badal was performing seva (service) as a gatekeeper of Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) upon the AT’s instructions. On the same day, the Patiala court acquitted Jagtar Singh Tara and Ramandeep Singh Goldy in the 2009 Rashtriya Sikh Sangat chief Rulda Singh murder case. Two unknown bike-borne men had shot Rulda Singh on 28 Jul 2009 and he died on 15 Aug 2009. On 31 Mar, the glass casing around the statue of Dr. B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Nangal village near Phillaur. Sikhs for Justice have claimed responsibility for the incident. Slogans 'Sikhs Are Not Hindus' and 'Trump Zindabad' have been painted on the glass casing, while a saffron and another blue flag bearing similar messages were taped to the casing. The reference is to Ambedkar being known as the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’ while the Constitution’s Article 25-B presents Sikhs as Hindus (earlier coverage).