AMRITSAR: The newly _appointed five head priests have been formally asked to take charge of their respective posts immediately by the SGPC executive committee. The SGPC executive member Hari Singh Arewala told the newsmen that the communication to this effect has been issued to the designated head priests. Since the designated head priest of Akal Takht Harcharan Singh was lodged in jail, four other priests were expected to undertake their responsibilities immediately. It was stated that all the members of the executive committee were
Unanimous in taking the decision.
However when a_ particular member (The name was not disclosed) met the acting president of SGPC at Ludhiana where he has been lodged in jail after his arrest before the crucial executive committee meeting Mr. Harinder Singh expressed his reservation and reluctance _ in dismissing Mr. Rode and Bhai Puran Singh while endorsing the decision about other three head priests. Later Mr. Tarntarani described the decision of the executive committee as a hasty step. When asked Mr. Arewala said if the newly appointed head priests failed to take over their assignments immediately new members will be appointed.
Meanwhile the executive committee of SGPC has distributed the photo state copies of its resolution no. 3, passed on May 30, 1988 dismissing five head priests and blaming them for the recent attack on the Golden Temple and for other anti-social activities inside the Golden Temple. This action put at rest controversy about the position of temple management committee.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 10, 1988
