Shiromani Committee Criticized for Aligning with Anti-Panthic Badals
JALANDHAR, PUNJAB – Prominent Sikh organizations convened a press conference today at the Jalandhar Press Club, issuing strong statements against Sukhbir Badal while calling for Bhai Narain Singh Choura to be honored as a “Panthic Warrior.”
Leaders, including Bhai Manjit Singh Kartarpur, Bhai Noblejeet Singh, Bhai Ranjit Singh (President of Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala), Bhai Harjinder Singh (Neeliya Fauj), Bhai Sukhjeet Singh Khosa (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee), Bhai Pal Singh France (National Justice Front), Bhai Sukhdev Singh (United Sikhs Organization), and others, criticized the Shiromani Committee for allegedly prioritizing loyalty to the Badal family over Panthic principles.
The organizations accused the committee of undermining Panthic values by pressuring the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, to excommunicate Bhai Narain Singh Choura—a move they warned would not be tolerated by the Sikh community.
Accusations Against the Badals
The leaders highlighted past incidents under the Badal family’s rule, including desecration of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, shielding of culprits, promotion of controversial police officers, and pardoning of the Sirsa dera chief. They questioned why the Shiromani Committee remained silent during these violations and failed to call for the excommunication of Parkash and Sukhbir Badal.
Recognition for Bhai Narain Singh Choura
Citing Bhai Narain Singh Choura’s lifelong dedication to Sikhism, including his sacrifices and activism, the leaders called for him to be celebrated rather than condemned. They described his actions as efforts to bring justice against Sukhbir Badal, whom they labeled a Panthic traitor and offender.
Warning to Jathedars
The organizations issued a stern warning to Jathedars, cautioning that any attempt to excommunicate Bhai Narain Singh Choura would result in a loss of credibility, likening such actions to past controversial decisions that faced widespread rejection from the Sikh community.
Leniency for Sukhbir Badal Criticized
The leaders also expressed frustration with what they described as undue leniency toward Sukhbir Badal, who confessed to major offenses at Sri Akal Takht Sahib but was only lightly reprimanded. They argued that such actions disregard the sentiments of the Sikh Panth and embolden those undermining its principles. The organizations called for immediate action to address the grievances of the Panth and ensure that justice is served, both for its defenders and against its offenders.
Dal Khalsa Criticizes Shiromani Committee Leadership
During a press conference, senior leaders Harpal Singh Cheema, Paramjit Singh Mand, Kanwarpal Singh, Harcharan Singh Dhami, and Paramjit Singh Tanda highlighted historical instances where individuals who had attacked prominent Sikh leaders were never ostracized from the Panth. The leaders drew parallels with the current controversy, arguing that Bhai Choura’s actions, motivated by grievances against Sukhbir Badal, do not warrant excommunication.
Bhai Choura’s Legacy Defended
Dal Khalsa leaders emphasized Bhai Choura’s lifelong dedication to the Sikh cause, describing him as a steadfast advocate for the Panth’s principles. Active since the Dharam Yudh Morcha of 1982, Bhai Choura has endured police torture and lengthy imprisonment for his beliefs. His popularity and ideological commitment, they argued, make the proposal for his excommunication baseless and damaging.
Historical Context on Violence at Sikh Institutions
The leaders recalled how, in 1983, DIG Avtar Singh Atwal was killed near Darbar Sahib by an associate of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Despite the gravity of the incident, the attacker was later martyred during Operation Blue Star and remains honored in the Sikh community. This historical precedent, they argued, highlights the selective nature of the current proposal against Bhai Choura.
Appeal to Jathedars
The leaders urged the Akal Takht Jathedars not to succumb to political pressures, warning that any decision to expel Bhai Choura would harm their credibility and the goodwill they recently regained through other decisions.
The event concluded with Dal Khalsa and its allies calling for unity within the Sikh community, urging a focus on addressing genuine grievances rather than fueling internal conflicts for political gain.
Reaction from MP Bhai Sarabjit Singh Khalsa
Faridkot MP Bhai Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, in a statement on social media, condemned the SGPC’s decision, calling it an affront to Sikh sentiments and a failure of intellectual maturity.
Khalsa has urged SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and Executive Committee members to revoke the decision and issue an apology.
Khalsa emphasized that the Sikh leadership must introspect and take responsibility for creating such situations, asserting that the expulsion of Choura alone will not suffice to address the larger issues plaguing Panthic institutions. He urged the SGPC to focus on upholding justice and safeguarding Sikh values while reflecting on the underlying causes of such controversies.
Contributions from various sources, including Dal Khalsa, Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale, and Rozana Pehredar
