Sikh diaspora give mixed response to Makkars election as SGPC chief

The election of Avtar Singh Makkar as president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) for a third consecutive term has evoked a mixed response from the Sikh diaspora.

By Ravinder Singh Robin

Amritsar, Nov.23 : The election of Avtar Singh Makkar as president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) for a third consecutive term has evoked a mixed response from the Sikh diaspora.

Former SGPC secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta said that it was unfortunate that Parkash Singh Badal, the Shiromani Akal Dal supremo, had once again selected dummy to run the SGPC to ensure his control over it.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) chief Parmjit Singh Sarna also criticized Badal, saying that he had bought disgrace to the community by choosing a non-functional man as SGPC president. He alleged that Badal was using the SGPC for his own political ends.

Dr. Pritpal Singh, the convener of the American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC) said that Makkar should help the International Sikh leadership in solving its issues like the turban and identity crises in many countries.

Bishan Singh, the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (PSGPC) said that the SGPC had always treated the PSGPC like a 'younger brother ' and had always cooperated and guided them on religious issues .

He said that with Makkar's election, their ties would further be strengthened.

ANI