Will form panel after April 20 for rules on jathedar appointment, retirement: SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami

Amritsar: Stating that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is receiving numerous suggestions to frame rules regarding the appointment and retirement of the jathedar of Akal Takht, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Wednesday said a committee will be constituted after April 20 to deliberate on the matter.
Dhami was addressing media after a meeting of the SGPC executive committee here.
He said a large number of suggestions had already been received and were still coming in. He appealed to the broader Sikh community, especially prominent Panthic organisations, to submit their suggestions to the SGPC to formulate a comprehensive policy based on collective opinion and sentiment. He said the deadline for sending suggestions was April 20, after which a committee will be formed to review the inputs. He emphasised that this is a significant task requiring thorough deliberation.
He added the EC of the SGPC censured the alleged delay being adopted by the Centre in the matter of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted for his role in the assassination of former chief minister of Punjab, Beant Singh, and other Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs). A special resolution was adopted demanding that the Supreme Court direct the Centre to make an immediate decision on the commutation of Rajoana's death sentence, so that justice could be delivered, as he has been on death row since 2007.
The SGPC president appealed to PM Narendra Modi to take a large-hearted decision in the case of Rajoana. The SGPC will seek an appointment with the Union home minister regarding the matter and will send a senior official to the ministry, he said.
He informed that events for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur will commence on April 18 from Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar. In connection with this, events like Gurmat congregation, Amrit Sanchar, Nagar Kirtans, and seminars will be organised at various places. A special budget has been allocated for these events, he added.