Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 2

The SGPC has initiated the service of expansion of joda ghar and a new gathri ghar (cloakroom to store belongings of visitors) on the entrance of Akal Takht secretariat for the convenience of the sangat visiting the Golden Temple.

However, this move had led to hampering of the langar sewa that was being carried out by a private organisation run by Kulwant Singh, a retired manager of Punjab and Sind Bank, for long, as the new project was being developed on the same plot. The members of the organisation staged a mild protest too.

Sometime back, the Golden Temple administrative officials had objected to his langar sewa, following which it was discontinued for some time but was later resumed.

Today, the temporary arrangements such as shed and preparation infrastructure for the preparation of langar have been demolished by a ditch machine, says Gurpal Singh, a member of the organisation. “The land was under the management of PUDA. I have lodged a complaint with the DC,” he said.

It is learnt that the SGPC personnel later took away their belongings but some persons lay down in front of the vehicles and stopped them. Ultimately, they were removed from the spot to pave way for the ceremony to be conducted to lay the foundation for joda ghar and gathri ghar.

Giani Harpreet Singh, officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Bibi Jagir Kaur, president of SGPC, Giani Jagtar Singh, additional head granthi of Golden Temple, Surjit Singh Bhitewad, Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Baba were present on the occasion.

The Kar Sewa (voluntary service) of this shoe house has been handed over to Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale. After the ardas to start the Kar Sewa, prominent personalities volunteered to lay the foundation stone.

Prayers were offered on the occasion and prominent personalities were present. Bibi Jagir Kaur said this joda ghar would have the capacity to accommodate more than 5,000 pair of shoes at a time.