Amritsar: Amid the controversy over the transportation of more than 200 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib to Canada, the Sikh Sangat of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland has submitted suggestions to the Akal Takht secretariat, seeking measures to prevent similar disputes in future.The issue has also drawn the attention of Sikh scholars and panthic thinkers, who have urged the SGPC and the Akal Takht to ensure strict adherence to Sikh maryada (religious code of conduct) while transporting Guru Granth Sahib and to evolve a uniform protocol.Responding to the memorandum, SGPC secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan maintained that no disrespect was caused to the sacred saroops and none was damaged during transportation. He said the saroops reached Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Surrey, Canada, safely and that the SGPC had received appreciation letters from members of the Sikh community there.Kahlwan said the saroops were transported in a specially designed palki-style bus, where they were placed in sukhasan in accordance with Sikh traditions and maryada. On arrival in Canada, they were received in the presence of the Panj Piaras and installed with due religious honour at the gurdwara, he added.Earlier, Sikh organisation Awaaz-e-Kaum had submitted a memorandum to the Akal Takht Secretariat seeking an impartial inquiry into the alleged transportation of saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to Surrey, British Columbia, through cargo containers. It also sought religious and legal action against those found responsible.Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson Sarchand Singh said the controversy should not have arisen and urged Sikh institutions and the Akal Takht to adopt a strict mechanism to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Referring to media reports, he said the saroops were alleged to have remained at a Canadian port in containers for more than a month, leading to concerns over moisture and resentment among sections of the Sikh sangat.The SGPC has maintained that the saroops were dispatched only after a request from the local Sikh sangat and in accordance with the 2009 guidelines issued by the Akal Takht and resolutions of the SGPC executive committee. It has repeatedly denied any disrespect or negligence during the entire process.
