AMRITSAR, Punjab, India: The S.G.P.C. Executive have dismissed all the five Head Priests, Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa, Bhai Swinder Singh, Bhai Jaswant Singh, Bhai Kashmir Singh and Bhai Puran Singh and also named their successors.
It also decided to give written assurance to the government to maintain the sanctity in the shrine premises. Announcing this S.G.P.C. General Secretary, Mal Singh Ghuman, said that the new incubates will remain in office as acting Head Priests till their appointments were confirmed by the S.GP.C. The S.G.P.C. also dispensed with the services of more than 90 persons, who had been employed on the recommendations of the freedom fighters. The S.G.P.C. took the action for removing these employees on the excuse that they did not submit any information about their age and qualifications. These employees were appointed about two years ago. Mr. Harcharan Singh (Delhi) has been appointed as the new Akal Takht Jathedar in place of Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa. Bhai Jasbir Singh held this post since March 9, 1988 after his release from detention. Mr. Pritam Singh was appointed as Head Priest of Akal Takht in place of Bhai Kashmir Singh. Pritam Singh has been shifted from Tarn Taran to take this assignment. Bhai Kashmir Singh has been sent back to Tarn Taran. Sohan Singh, Granthi of Darbar Sahib, has replaced Bhai Puran Singh. Interestingly Sohan Singh was released from Patiala jail to start recitation of Gurbani under the government supervision. Mr. Balbir Singh, granthi of Gurdwara Keshgarh Sahib replaced Bhai Swinder Singh as Jathedar of Takht Keshgarh Sahib. Jagir » Singh Puhla, S.G.P.C. Member, goes to Damdama Sahib, in place of Bhai Jaswant Singh.
Mall Singh Ghuman said that the Head Priests had not only encouraged the freedom fighters but were also responsible for antisocial activities in the Golden Temple Complex. He said that their first priority will be to restore maryada at the temple,
Meanwhile it is learnt that the S.G.P.C. is contemplating to organize a task force to prevent the antisocial elements and flow of arms into the Golden Temple, Amritsar. According to the sources close to S.G.P.C. it proposes the enroll about a hundred ex-army men for the task force who will be provided with licensed guns to discharge their duties. The Committee is approaching the State government for procuring licenses and arms.
The sources also said that the S.G.P.C. has proposed several measures to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 3, 1988
