'Panj Pyaras', the five beloved Sikh preachers who were recently suspended and then reinstated by the SGPC for summoning five high priests, today issued an "edict" directing the religious body not to allow Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh to give an address on Diwali.
A handwritten 'gurmata' (edict) in Punjabi, signed by the Panj Pyaras, said that "keeping in view the emotions of Sikhs across the globe and for upholding the dignity of the Akal Takht, the Executive Committee of the SGPC is directed not to allow Giani Gurbachan Singh to address the Sikh community from Akal Takht Sahib on Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) as he has principally lost the right to do so".
The Panj Pyaras -- Bhai Satnam Singh Khanda, Bhai Mangal Singh, Bhai Major Singh, Bhai Satnam Singh and Bhai Tirlok Singh -- in the signed gurmata said that they held a meeting to discuss the present 'Panthic' scenario.
The Panj Pyaras have also asked SGPC to ask the Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar to perform this service in place of Giani Gurbachan Singh.
The SGPC on October 25 reinstated Panj Pyaras who were suspended for summoning the Jathedars of five Takhts including Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh on October 21.
The showdown of Panj Pyaras with the Akal Takht began with pardoning of Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim over a 2007 alleged blasphemy case.
