Objection raised over presenting 'siropa' to PM inside Golden Temple

Amritsar, Mar 30 (UNI) Former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandik Committee (SGPC) President Kirpal Singh Badungar has raised objection over the presentation of 'siropas' (robes of honour) to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur inside the Harmandir Sahib, the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple during their visit here on March 24, sparking a controversy.

Mr Badungar raised the issue in the General House meeting at the Teja Singh Samundri Hall inside the Golden Temple complex here. The General House met for passing the Budget for the next financial year.

The PM and his wife were presented 'siropas' by Golden Temple, Head Granthi Giani Gurbachan Singh when they paid obesiance at the holy shrine during their visit to the city on March 24 to inagurate the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service. They were also honoured with 'siropas' by the SGPC chief Avtar Singh outside the Clock Tower entrance of the shrine.

During the meeting Mr Badungar, former OSD to former Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Prakash Singh Badal, claimed the presentation of 'siropas' inside the sanctum sanctorum was against the Sikh 'maryada' (rituals). ''It is a clear case of disrespect to the Guru Granth Sahib,'' he said.

Mr Badungar said the normal practice had been to honour dignatories at the Information Office of the Golden Temple, near the Clock Tower entrance.

He claimed of seeking action against those who had bestowed the 'siropas' on the PM and his wife. However no other member in the General House rose to defend Mr Badungar.

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