'Refrain from protests over demolition case'
SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, on Monday, termed the demolition of the gurdwara in Waraich village of Amritsar district a few months ago as a closed chapter and advised those raising their voices over this issue to abide by the directions of the Akal Takht.
SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, on Monday, termed the demolition of the gurdwara in Waraich village of Amritsar district a few months ago as a closed chapter and advised those raising their voices over this issue to abide by the directions of the Akal Takht.
Interacting with the media here, he said that on the basis of the inquiry report submitted by the SGPC on the Waraich gurdwara issue, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh had issued directions asking all Sikh organisations to refrain from organising protests. The SGPC report has clearly stated that the shrine was demolished by the village panchayat and no dera was behind it, said Makkar.
"Unfortunately, there are still elements which are protesting against the demolition. In doing so, they are violating the orders of the Akal Takht," he said.
On Barapind's arrest
On the arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal (Panj Pardhani) president Kulbir Singh Barapind by the Punjab Police, Makkar said the police had acted on the basis of certain reports. The recovery of weapons and other items from his house justify the police action, he said, refusing to condemn the arrest.
Barapind was the lone candidate of the SAD (Panj Pardhani) who had won the SGPC elections held last year in September. He, along with Daljit Singh Bittu, national council member of the party, were taken into custody last week.
Welcomes DSGMC polls
Makkar welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court to hold elections to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on December 31. He alleged that DSGMC chief Paramjit Singh Sarna was trying to avoid elections and he had the backing of the central government as well as the Delhi government.
"The SAD will dislodge the Congress-backed Sarna brothers from the DSGMC. Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal will lead the SAD campaign in the elections," he said.
Makkar alleged that shrines and educational institutions under the DSGMC had become hubs of political activities. He also claimed that there was widespread corruption in the DSGMC.