Bibi Jagir Kaur urges dialogue over protest in Punjab

Bibi Jagir Kaur, a dissident Akali leader and former head of the SGPC, has urged the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal to cancel its planned protest at the SGPC head office on March 28. She believes the issues should be settled through dialogue instead of conflict. Kaur is concerned that outside forces might take advantage of the situation when the protest occurs. Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma has called for the protest to demand the reinstatement of Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh, who were recently removed from their positions as jathedars. Kaur has asked SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami to bring everyone together for open discussions to find a solution. Kaur expressed her anxiety about the potential escalation of tensions on March 28. She emphasized the importance of unity within the Sikh community and said it is vital that no faction acts in ways that could worsen the situation. Kaur highlighted that the community has historically thrived through consultation and collective decision-making. In a related development, SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur has submitted a request, supported by 40 other members, to include the rejection of the resolutions that led to the jathedars' removal in the agenda for the upcoming general house meeting. She noted that the method of removing jathedars was unprecedented and not in line with Khalsa traditions. Kiranjot Kaur stated that this united effort to uphold the values of the Sikh community is the first of its kind since 1996. The unfolding events reflect significant concern and a desire for a unified response within the Sikh leadership.