AMRITSAR: Pro Damdami Taksal Bhai Ram Singh, a senior granthi of the Golden Temple, has resigned his post on the issue of “Maryada” in the temple.
Addressing a press conference at the residence of Bhai Manjit Singh, President of the Akali Dal (Manjit), in Brahm Buta Market here Oct.5, he released copies of his resignation letter addressed to the SGPC chief, G.S.Tohra, stating that he had been feeling “suffocated” and he did not want to be associated with any controversy.
Referring to the ongoing controversy on “maryada” for the past about four months, he described it “uncalled for” which had divided the Sikh panth into two factions, Since no religious organization or panthic leader ever objected to the present “maryada,” the SGPC executed adopted a’ resolution’ in “haste” to change the “maryada” directed granthis to enforce it.
Ina bid to avert any controversy, he said he had been reciting old Taksali “Rehras” (evening prayer) in the Golden Temple through the SGPC had not announced its decision to change the “maryada.” The SGPC authorities started imposing unannounced restrictions on me,” Bhai Ram Singh said, He had not been paid salary for four months and denied facilities available to other granthis. “I feel the SGPC does not like the continuance of old “maryada” at my hands,” he added.
In his letter he clarified he was submitting his resignation after consultations with Baba Thakar Singh, the Damdami Taksal chief, and other senior panthic personalities. He expressed the hope that the resignation would be accepted.
Bhai Ram Singh (33) was appointed granthi of the Golden Temple on March 6.1987, when militants were virtually in control of the temple complex. He is a cousin of Bhai Manjit Singh. He has no formal school education and got religious education from the Damdami Taksal.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 15, 1993
