Despite Opposition, SGPC Unwilling to Remove Questionable Artwork from Sri Harmandir Sahib
Posted: 25 Oct 2016 10:33 AM PDT
AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Following major backlash by Sikh circles across the world, the SGPC has remained quiet about the inscription of Hindu deities on the walls of Sri Harmandir Sahib. So far, the SGPC has remained quiet despite being challenged on its position regarding the questionable artwork. Sikh24 has attempted to get an official comment from the SGPC office in Sri Amritsar, however, our efforts have been in vain.
Yesterday, a vague press statement was shared with Sikh24, in which the SGPC spokesperson Diljeet Singh Bedi mentioned that much of the art within Sri Harmandir Sahib is ancient and SGPC is only working to preserve the original designs. It had no mention of the recent work performed within Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Earlier, this month, Sikh24 reported about the inscription of Hindu deities on the walls of sanctum Sikh shrine Sri Harmandir Sahib. Sikh24 was informed about this matter by independent SGPC member and Convener of Singh Sabha (Punjab) S. Hardeep Singh who said that the SGPC has destroyed the earlier floral artwork from the walls of central Sikh shrine under the garb of renovation.
Since then, several prominent Sikh and political leaders have come to the fore against the SGPC. On October 23, former Cabinet Minister and senior Congress leader Inderjit Singh Zira submitted a memorandum at Sri Akal Takht Sahib secretariat seeking removal of art of Hindu Deities from the wall of sanctum sanctorum Sikh shrine Sri Harmandir Sahib.
punjab page;Congress leader Inderjit Singh Zeera(2nd to left) places memorandum at the table of Jathedar Akal Takht as the latter was not available in his office in Amritsar on Saturday.photo by vishal kumar
Speaking with Sikh24, S. Inderjit Singh Zira informed that he has attached the photographs of art of Hindu Deities inscribed on the walls of sanctum sanctorum. He added that firstly the issue remained hidden and now when it is highlighted the Supreme Sikh body SGPC was silent on the issue.
Warning the SGPC to take suitable action within a week, S. Inderjit Singh Zira said that if the SGPC doesn’t take any action within specified time, e would start agitation against the inscribing of Hindu Deities art on the walls of sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib.
S. Zira informed that SGPC appointed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh was not present on the spot due to which left the memorandum in office of Akal Takht Secretariat.