Amritsar: The five Sikh high priests, led by acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on Friday declared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, who represents the Payal constituency in Ludhiana district, tankhaiya for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the jathedar and Sikh institutions.
The decision was announced from the Akal Takht Sahib. The Sikh congregation was also directed to refrain from maintaining social relations with Giaspura, according to the order issued after a meeting of the five Sikh high priests in the afternoon.
Those present at the meeting included Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, acting jathedar of Akal Takht and jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib; Giani Parvinderpal Singh, a granthi at the Golden Temple; Giani Tek Singh, jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib; Giani Gurbakhshish Singh, granthi at Akal Takht; and Bhai Paramjit Singh, one of the Panj Piare of Akal Takht.
Earlier on Friday, AAP MLAs submitted a clarification at Akal Takht regarding an incident on October 12, distancing themselves from allegations made by Giaspura.
In a separate decision, the Sikh preacher Jiwan Singh Bagichi Wale was barred from preaching and performing kirtan. The order followed allegations that he had engaged in anti-Sikh preaching and challenged the status of Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
The decisions were issued by the Sikh clergy as part of their religious authority over matters concerning Sikh conduct and institutions.
