Will Not Allow Anyone to Perform Dastaarbandi of Jathedar: Baba Balbir Singh and All Nihang Singh Organizations
Amritsar, March 9, 2025 – Under the leadership of Singh Sahib Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh Akali 96 crori of the Shromani Panth Akali Budha Dal, along with Baba Avtar Singh, head of Baba Bidhi Chand Sahib Tarna Dal Sursingh, Baba Joga Singh, head of Misl Shaheedan Tarna Dal Baba Deep Singh Baba Bakala, Baba Nagar Singh from Tarna Dal Haria Belan, and Baba Major Singh Sodhi, head of Dashmesh Tarna Dal Ludhiana, a joint Gurmat decision was made. They strongly condemned the recent removal of the Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by the internal committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
They described this decision as deeply unfortunate and ill-fated, stating that it is completely unacceptable to the Sikh Panth.
In this regard, Budha Dal Secretary S. Diljeet Singh Bedi stated that Budha Dal chief Baba Balbir Singh Akali 96 Crori, in a released video, said, "Fifteen to twenty years ago, the appointment of Jathedars was done with respect and in accordance with Sikh traditions. We will not allow anyone to perform the Dastaarbandi (turban-tying ceremony) of a Jathedar in a disrespectful manner now."
Baba Balbir Singh emphasized that the Sikh community will not tolerate any disrespect towards the institution of Jathedars, which holds great historical and religious significance. He called for unity among all Sikh organizations to protect the sanctity of the Panth and ensure that such decisions are made with transparency and respect for Sikh traditions.
The joint statement by the Nihang Singh organizations reflects the growing concern within the Sikh community over the recent developments. They have vowed to continue their efforts to uphold the dignity of the Sikh faith and its institutions.