Punjab SGPC versus Haryana SGPC: PM brokers peace

Given Sikh sensitivities on the issue, Punjab and Haryana were heading for a standoff, but the PM’s intervention has cooled the raging sentiments for the time being. Fortunately, none of the radical Akali groups have so far jumped into the fray.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said, “The issue is nothing more than a game-plan of the Congress to gain political mileage. It’s not about controlling the gurdwaras in Haryana; it’s an emotional issue. The SGPC denotes Sikh power and pride across the world and any attempt to dilute it would hurt Sikh sentiments.”

In the past, protests led by the SGPC, which is strongly supported by the ruling Akali Dal in Punjab, have often escalated out of control. Last year, Punjab saw a spate of violent incidents around the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy when the SGPC, backed by the Shiromani Akali Dal, insisted on an apology from the sect’s head, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, whose headquarters is located in Haryana’s Sirsa district. Way back in 1982 during the Asian Games, the then Congress leadership in Haryana had made it difficult for Sikhs to reach Delhi which had led to hard feelings and contributed to the build-up towards militancy in Punjab. The two states have been at loggerheads on various issues, including dispute over river waters and claims on Chandigarh.

The Punjab Congress is treading safely on the issue. President of Punjab Congress Mohinder Kaypee said, “Since the PM has intervened and given an assurance, as reported in the media, SAD-SGPC should wait for a response.” 

Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has appointed the Harmohinder Singh Chatha Committee to study the formation of a separate Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for the state. The state Government says that it is still waiting for the committee’s report, despite indications that the committee has given a positive recommendation.

Haryana Sikh representatives say that their demand for a separate SGPC, which is inherent in the Punjab Re-organisation Act of 1966, is a fallout of the alleged indifference of the SGPC towards the shrines in Haryana. President of the Haryana SGPC (ad hoc) Jagdish Singh Jhinda said Haryana needs a separate SGPC and it is not only their constitutional and religious right but also their choice for autonomy to manage Sikh shrines in the state.

Talking to The Indian Express, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Paramjit Singh Sarna, of a rival body to the SGPC that has the support of the Congress, alleged, “The SGPC in Punjab is rattled because it will dilute its claim on the cash-rich body.”

However, political analyst and chairman of the Institute of Development and Communication Promod Kumar is of the opinion that the issue needs to be viewed in a broader context. “There’s a need for an All India Sikh Gurdwara Act with state chapters. In the present format, any state can demand a separate body to manage Sikh shrines,” he added.

PAST TENSE

• Last year, Punjab saw a spate of violent incidents around the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy when the SGPC, backed powerfully by the Shiromani Akali Dal, insisted on an apology from sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

• In 1982, the then Congress leadership in Haryana made it difficult for Sikhs to reach Delhi for the Asian Games, which had led to hard feelings and contributed to the build-up towards militancy in Punjab.

• Punjab and Haryana have been at loggerheads on various issue including disputes over river water, claims on Chandigarh, and other territorial issues.

SOFT PEDAL

• Punjab Congress chief Mohinder Kaypee said, “Since the PM has intervened and given an assurance … the SAD-SGPC should wait for the response.”

• Haryana says it is still waiting for the Harmohinder Singh Chatha Committee report on the formation of a separate gurdwara committee for the state, despite reports that the committee has given a positive recommendation.