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Akal Takht Jathedar condemns attack on Granthi Jeet Singh

“Such acts are a grave insult to Punjab’s culture and values, where Granthi Singhs have always been treated with respect,” Jathedar Gargajj said, calling for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh GargajJathedar Gargaj condemned the assault and assured the family that “Sri Akal Takht Sahib stands with them and will support them at every level”. (File Photo)

Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Thursday met Granthi (priest) Jeet Singh and his mother, who were admitted to the Sultanpur Lodhi District Civil Hospital after an alleged assault and demanded strict police action against the accused.

According to the victims’ family, Granthi Jeet Singh and his elderly mother suffered serious injuries after they were allegedly assaulted by some individuals involved in “drug trafficking” when Granthi objected to them parking their vehicle on the gurdwara premises.

Jathedar Gargaj condemned the assault and assured the family that “Sri Akal Takht Sahib stands with them and will support them at every level”.

“Such acts are a grave insult to Punjab’s culture and values, where Granthi Singhs have always been treated with respect,” Jathedar Gargaj said, calling for measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Jathedar Gargaj also spoke with Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora, urging him to take strict action..

Dal Khalsa submits blueprint on Jathedar system

A detailed blueprint outlining reforms related to the appointment, removal and responsibilities of the Takht Jathedars submitted to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami by the Dal Khalsa recently recommends the formation of a “Khalsa Darbar” to frame clear rules on the Jathedar system, ensuring community-wide consultation and consensus.

On Thursday, Dal Khalsa leaders said the blueprint was the result of years of discussions among Sikh scholars, religious-political thinkers, and committed members of the Panth.

Dal Khalsa leaders expressed concern over “Jathedars, the spiritual heads of the five Sikh Takhts, being appointed and removed at the discretion of political forces that control the SGPC”, and emphasised that “the Jathedars should be accountable only to the Sikh Panth and must remain free from political and administrative interference”.

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Spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said the role of the Jathedars has a “global impact on the Sikh community and should not be determined solely by the SGPC”.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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