SGPC constitutes panel to look into Golden Temple replica

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 23

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken cognisance of the Golden Temple replica at Mastuana Sahib in Sangrur and constituted a probe committee.

In 2009, Akal Takht had directed the SGPC to alter the design of the controversial structure of a Golden Temple lookalike, situated on the premises of Gurdwara Sachkhand Angitha Sahib. Akal Takht had directed the SGPC to fill the “sarovar” with sand, remove the bridge and change the rooftop design.

Jathedar Parshotam Phaguwala, state general secretary of the United Akali Dal, sat on an indefinite fast outside Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvin Sahib at Bhawanigarh, demanding the implementation of Akal Takht’s directions.

Gobind Singh Longowal, SGPC chief, said a four-member committee, comprising SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjouli, executive member Harinder Singh Rogla, Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan, and Malkit Singh Changal, had been constituted.

The Gurdwara Nankiana Sahib, Sangrur, manager will coordinate with the committee.

Appealing to Jathedar Phaguwala to call off his protest, Longowal said: “No other gurdwara can be designed on the pattern of the Golden Temple. The committee will visit the spot and submit a report. Action will be taken accordingly.”