No space for Sikh diaspora representatives in SGPC’s committee on Hate Crimes against Sikhs abroad

Amritsar/ Chandigarh: The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) has formed a committee on hate crimes against Sikhs in United States and other foreign countries. According to Daljeet Singh Bedi, additional secretary of the SGPC, the committee- which comprises Sikh academicians, intellectuals and representatives of Sikh some traditional organisations, would examine the issue and submit recommendations.

The committee members include Rajinder Singh Mehta, Dr. Kirpal Singh, former MP (RS) Tarlochan Singh, former VC Pirthipal Singh Kapur, Dr. Balkar Singh, Dr. Balwant Singh Dhillon, Dr. Inderjit Singh Gogoani, Dr. Harchand Singh Bedi, Dr. Jasbir Singh Sabar, Dr. Sarbjinder Singh, Dr. Parmvir Singh, Dr. Roop Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma, Budha Dal chief Balbir Singh, Teja Singh Nirmale, Ram Singh Kular, Advocate Jaswinder Singh, Partap Singh Ludhiana, Dr. Dharmender Singh Ubha, Prabhjot Kaur Chandigarh, Dr. Gurbachan Singh Bachan. SGPC secretary Daljeet Singh Bedi is appointed as co-ordinator of the committee.

Avtar Singh Makkar and others addressing press conference at Gurduara Kalgidhar Niwas, Chandigarh on Nov. 26, 2015 [File Photo]

Interestingly the SGPC has not included even a single representative diaspora Sikh bodies that have been working for the promotion of Sikh identity in USA, Canada, Europe, UK or other countries.

Notably a number of Sikh bodies, including (but not limited to) the Sikh Coalition, United Sikhs, Sikh Federation UK are working against hate crimes against Sikhs in the respective countries of their operation besides taking initiatives to spread awareness about the Sikh identity.

The SGPC’s move to ignore diaspora Sikh bodies in a matter related to the Sikh diaspora raises serious questions about SGPC’s modus-operendi of the self-proclaimed apex body of the Sikhs.