The Fact News Service
Amritsar, July 22
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has raised strong objections to the Punjab Government’s decision to independently organize events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, without involving the SGPC.
In a sharp response to recent statements by state ministers, Advocate Dhami asserted that the SGPC, as the central religious authority of the Sikh community, holds the rightful mandate to organize such spiritually significant centenary commemorations.
He stressed that while the government may extend administrative and infrastructural support, religious events must be led by Sikh institutions that understand the community’s historical and spiritual sentiments.
Referring to precedents set by previous governments, Dhami said, “Even Akali-led administrations provided assistance without interfering in religious matters. During Guru Gobind Singh ji’s 350th birth anniversary, the Bihar government extended full support while religious duties were left to Sikh bodies.”
He noted that the SGPC is open to collaboration, welcoming efforts such as converting Anandpur Sahib into a “White City” or setting up tent cities for pilgrims. However, Dhami cautioned that organizing parallel government-led events would not only undermine Sikh institutions but also create unnecessary divisions during an occasion of collective reverence.
Dhami reiterated that the SGPC-led centenary events would be inclusive and all major stakeholders—including senior leaders from both the Centre and the state—would be invited.
“The Punjab Government should act as a facilitator, not a parallel organizer,” he said, urging the administration to avoid actions that may lead to confrontation within the Sikh Panth.
