Sikh body orders probe into Modi's cap controversy

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has asked the Sikh high priests to look into the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) while wearing a cap.

"This matter regarding 'maryada' (Sikh religious code) comes under the purview of the Singh Sahiban (Sikh high priests). We have requested them to look into this issue if the 'maryada' was violated, " SGPC President Kirpal Singh Badungar told the media in Amritsar on Wednesday.

The SGPC move came following complaints on the issue and the controversy gaining ground on the social media that the Prime Minister had allegedly violated 'maryada' by wearing a cap instead of covering his head with a cloth.

Modi, accompanied by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, together visited the holiest of the Sikh shrines on December 3 during the 'Heart of Asia' conference. Both wore caps to cover their heads during their visit.

Covering head with a 'rumala' (piece of cloth) or turban is mandatory for all devotees visiting Sikh shrines.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had accompanied Modi and Ghani to the shrine.

--IANS

js/tsb/dg