Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Jathedar Gargaj congratulates Dhami on 5th term as SGPC President
Urges Centre to recognize 1984 Sikh Genocide and release Bandi Singhs
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), November 3, 2025: Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, today extended warm congratulations to Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami on being elected as President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the fifth consecutive term.
Speaking to the media after attending the SGPC’s annual general session, Jathedar Gargajj said it was by the grace of the Guru Sahiban that Advocate Dhami had once again been chosen to lead the supreme representative body of the Sikhs. He lauded the peaceful conduct of the elections and expressed confidence that Dhami would continue to advance Panthic causes with renewed commitment and courage.
The Jathedar commended the SGPC for passing resolutions on key Sikh issues, including the release of Sikh political prisoners (Bandi Singhs), recognition of the 1984 Sikh Genocide, and the reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
He urged the Central Government to immediately release Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences — including Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjit Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Tara, Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khera, and Bhai Devinderpal Singh Bhullar — and to honour the commitment made during the 550th Prakash Gurpurb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 2019.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement in Bihar describing the 1984 anti-Sikh violence as a “narsanhaar,” Jathedar Gargajj said the Prime Minister’s choice of words made it clear that the tragedy must no longer be referred to as “riots.”
“When the head of the government himself acknowledges it as genocide, Parliament must now formally recognize the 1984 Sikh Genocide as such,” he said, adding that such recognition would ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of similar atrocities in the future.
He also demanded the immediate renaming of Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab, stating that the former Prime Minister’s justification of the 1984 killings was deeply offensive to Sikh sentiments.
Reiterating that Gurdwaras belong solely to the Khalsa Panth, Jathedar Gargajj cautioned governments against any attempt to interfere in their management. He said such actions would be strongly opposed by the Sikh community.
Commenting on the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Jathedar Gargajj said that office-bearers who recently convened a meeting in defiance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s directive would be summoned after the completion of the 350th martyrdom centenary commemorations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib on November 29. “They will be asked to explain their disobedience, and Panthic action will be taken in accordance with Sikh traditions,” he stated.
Reacting to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s alleged remarks about Gurdwara offerings (golaks), Jathedar Gargajj said such comments reflect an atheistic mindset unworthy of a leader. “If the Chief Minister does not agree with Sikh religious practices, he should refrain from making statements that hurt the sentiments of the community,” he said.
He added that offerings at Gurdwaras are made out of devotion by people of all faiths and that such sacred contributions have often been used for humanitarian causes — citing the SGPC’s extensive relief efforts during Punjab’s recent floods.