February 10, 1999:   World Sikh Council, America Region denounces the action of the ten executive members of SGPC relating to the attempted suspension of Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji from the Jathedarship of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. We understand that the meeting was not called or approved by the President, SGPC and was, therefore, illegal. It had no right to discuss Jathedar Sahib s status. We understand that these individuals are themselves guilty of gross violation of the requirements for SGPC membership and are facing disqualification not only from the Executive Committee membership but also from the general body membership of the SGPC. The World Sikh Council America Region does not recognize any decision taken by this meeting of renegades. We appreciate the stand taken by Singh Sahib Bhai Mohan Singh Ji who refused to yield to the Government pressure, declined to accept the position of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, and supported Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji. We urge upon Gyani Puran Singh to follow his noble example and not to play into the hands of the enemies of the Panth.

Obviously, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and his political associates are interfering in the religious affairs of the Sikhs and are using some members of the SGPC Executive to promote their designs. The flooding of the Darbar Sahib complex with plain-clothed police is reminiscent of the gruesome invasions of the past and constitutes a disgraceful act by Mr. Badal s government. It is a shame that Mr. Badal, whose party came to power because of the solid support of the Sikh Nation, has turned his back on the Panth and is out to destroy the highest seat of spiritual and temporal authority of the Sikhs.

The Sikhs of North America continue to recognize Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji as the Jathedar of Siri Akal Takhat Sahib. We express our full faith in his leadership and will continue to abide by the hukamnamas issued under his signatures.

Finally, the Jathedar of Siri Akal Takhat Sahib is the leader of the entire Sikh Panth. The wishes of the Sikhs of North America cannot be ignored in matters related to appointments to that position. The Sikhs of North America declare that they will accept only the decisions that include consultation with the World Sikh Council America Region and will not accept any arbitrary and unauthorized changes in leadership at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Any attempt to hijack Sri Akal Takhat Sahib will be considered an attack on the Sikh Nation.

In the service of Guru Panth

Kuldeep Singh

Chairman, World Sikh Council, America Region