SGPC rules out removal of five priests of Takhts

Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC), considered to be mini-Parliament of Sikhs, today ruled out removal of five high priests of five Takhts, which the 'Panj Pyaras' (five beloved preachers) had demanded and created a confrontation within the clergy.
Meanwhile, Sikh organisations and hardliners have called a 'Sarbat Khalsa' (congregation of Sikhs) on November 10 at Amritsar to deliberate on issues related to the community.
SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar ruled out honouring the 'Gurmata' (religious edict) recently issued by the 'Panj Pyaras' seeking removal of five head priests of five Takhts, including the Akal Takth.
"Jathedars wouldn't be removed," Makkar said, setting at rest the speculation on removal of the Jathedars, including Akal Takht head Gyani Gurbachan Singh.

He said rumours were being spread on social media with regard to removal of the Jathedars of all the Takhts and the appointment of new faces.
All the Jathedars would remain in their present positions and would continue their religious activities including their participation in public and religious functions at home and abroad, the SGPC chief ruled.

On October 23, 'Panj Pyaras' had asked SGPC to remove the Jathedars of all Takhts forthwith for the "flip-flop" over pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
This decision of the 'Panj Pyaras' had invited their suspension by SGPC. However, the SGPC later revoked their suspension.

The 'Panj Pyaras' had demanded immediate removal of Gyani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, Gyani Iqbal Singh, Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, Gyani Mal Singh, Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Gyani Gurmukh Singh, Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib and Gyani Ram Singh Dhoopia of Takht Hazoor Sahib, Nanded.
On October 21, one of the Panj Pyaras Bhai Satnam Singh had said the decision to pardon the Dera Chief was taken by Jathedars without consultation with any of the Sikh groups and intellectuals or taking them into confidence and has put the Sikh community in turmoil.
The showdon of Panj Pyaras with the Akal Takht began with pardoning of Dera chief over a 2007 alleged blasphemy case.