Sri Amritsar- Regarding the case of 328 sacred saroops (holy scriptures) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, today issued an important order and strictly instructed all parties concerned with this matter.
In the order, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj stated that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the living, eternal Guru of the Sikhs, with whom the deepest sentiments of every Sikh and devotee of Sri Guru Nanak Dev are intrinsically connected. He said recently, in connection with the case of the 328 sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, directions were issued from Sri Akal Takht Sahib that no party should indulge in politics, allegations, haste, or statements in this matter.
He said that it has been observed that despite these clear instructions, some concerned parties have continued to make statements and level allegations, while trials are being conducted through media and social media platforms. This, he emphasized, does not respect the spirit of the directions issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
In the order, he further stated that until the investigation is completed and the truth comes to light, it is completely unethical for any party or media outlets to speak on this matter, present facts according to their own interpretation or construct narratives. Such actions hurt Sikh sentiments and create confusion among the sangat. Until the investigation is completed, even the Punjab Police’s Special Investigation Team, the concerned parties, or their legal counsel do not have the authority to hold press conferences, indulge in politics, distort facts, encourage media trials, or pronounce judgments at their own level.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj once again strictly instructed all concerned parties to maintain complete restraint and dignity in their words and to comply with the issued order until the investigation is concluded. He also noted that it has come to notice that whenever the Punjab Police investigation team proceeds for inquiry-related actions, information is being leaked to the media and planted news are being circulated, which is neither a responsible nor a serious approach.
He further stated that during the course of the investigation, it has also come to light that undue haste has been shown by the police in viewing the sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and that the Punjab government has also hurriedly made public information lacking factual basis. This has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh sangat and has even created conditions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Punjab. Although there is no doubt about the competence of the present Special Investigation Team, it would be better if the Punjab Police investigation team consisted of Amritdhari Sikhs who have a complete understanding of Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom) and Sikh maryada (code of conduct).
He emphasized that the seriousness of the matter, patience, the discerning wisdom bestowed by the Gurus, the honour and respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the maryada and sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must always be kept in mind.