Amritsar Sahib – In an unprecedented development, the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones of the Guru) of the Akal Takht on Friday morning directed the SGPC to terminate the services of the five Takht Jathedars as they had failed to respond to their summons in connection with the controversial summons issued by them to the five Sikh high priests, who did not come as asked. The summons had asked the Jathedars to explain their position on the pardon granted to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.
Having issued the summons asking the five high priests to appear at Akal Takht on Friday, the Panj Pyaras showed up on time. As the jathedars did not appear, the Panj Pyaras passed a resolution demanding their resignations. They also asked the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to withdraw the powers granted and duties assigned to the Jathedars.
SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar had on Wednesday suspended the Panj Pyaras for summoning the Sikh high priests as they had granted pardon to the Dera head over the issue of his wearing attire similar to that of Guru Gobind Singh; though the pardon was subsequently withdrawn following pressure from the Sikh community at large.
The SGPC’s executive committee, however, on Monday had not supported Makkar’s decision, while the Akal Takht Jathedar had questioned the Panj Pyaras’ authority to issue summons.