Takht Sri Patna Sahib Jathedar puts forth conditions for truce

Amritsar, Punjab: Takht Sri Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh today said he may consider a compromise if Takht Patna Sahib Management Committee cancelled the appointments of Giani Partap Singh as additional granthi and Bhupinder Singh Sadhu as the chairman of the Dharam Parchar Board.

Talking to The Tribune over phone from Patna, Giani Iqbal Singh said he was not ready to withdraw the police case that he had lodged against the committee members and others following a violent clash there on January 7. He, however, said he might consider it if the management committee cancelled the two appointments. He said the committee should send him a written document after which he would hold consultations with his lawyers and the Sant Samaj. He claimed though the committee had placed him under suspension, he continued to discharge his duties as the Takht Jathedar.

Giani Iqbal said the staff was also cooperating with him. On the issue being under the consideration of the Sikh clergy, he said the matter was with the police and the courts and, therefore, it should not be deliberated at the Akal Takht.

On the SGPC panel brokering peace between them last month, Giani Iqbal Singh said the SGPC committee “didn’t do justice” with him. He alleged that he was not allowed to read the letter of agreement and was made to sign it in haste. He also clarified that he hadn’t got any intimation to appear before the Sikh clergy during their meeting in Amritsar on February 6.

There are also reports that the management committee members are not attending the office in view of the police case registered against them, which is taking a toll on official work.

What he wants

* Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh wants the appointments of an additional granthi and Dharam Parchar Board chief annulled

* He says it is only then that he would withdraw the police case against the management committee members.

Source: The Tribune