The head of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has issued a stern warning against what he calls the blatant politicization of a deeply sensitive religious matter. Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht and SGPC president, has expressed strong disapproval over attempts to gain political mileage from the case of the missing Saroops (holy volumes) of the Guru Granth Sahib.
A Call for Responsibility Over Rhetoric
Addressing the media in Amritsar, Giani Harpreet Singh emphasized that the issue concerning the sacred Sikh scriptures should be treated with the utmost reverence and seriousness. He stated that the SGPC has already filed a formal First Information Report (FIR) with the police regarding the missing volumes and is fully cooperating with the investigative process.
"The matter is under investigation," the Jathedar asserted, making it clear that the committee is not shying away from its responsibilities. He appealed to all parties, especially political groups, to refrain from spreading unverified claims and creating unnecessary controversy around the incident. His primary concern is that such actions could hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community worldwide.
Assurances of a Thorough Probe
Giani Harpreet Singh sought to reassure the public about the SGPC's commitment to resolving the matter. He highlighted that the committee is taking all necessary steps to locate the missing Saroops and ensure such lapses do not occur in the future. The focus, according to him, should remain on a factual and transparent investigation rather than public mudslinging.
The disappearance of the Saroops – which are printed and distributed from the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar – is a significant event that has naturally caused concern among devotees. The SGPC, as the custodian of major Sikh shrines, holds the responsibility for their preservation and distribution.
Political Reactions and Community Sentiment
The Jathedar's comments come amid rising political commentary on the issue. Various factions have been using the incident to criticize the SGPC's management and governance. However, Giani Harpreet Singh's statement is a direct rebuttal, framing such criticism as opportunistic and detrimental to the sanctity of the issue.
He underscored that the Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal Guru for Sikhs, and any matter related to it demands a unified and respectful approach. By filing the police complaint, the SGPC has initiated the legal avenue, and Singh urged everyone to trust that process. The underlying message was clear: the pursuit of truth should not be clouded by political agendas.
As the investigation continues, the SGPC chief's stance sets a firm boundary, prioritizing religious protocol and judicial procedure over public political debate. The community now awaits further developments from the ongoing police probe into this sensitive case.
