12_chapter v.pdf

strongly demanded that gurdwara properties should be immediately
exempted from these articles of the Punjab Tenancy Act.” 56
Then Justice Gurnam Singh presented a resolution of support for the
Sikhs serving in England on the question of turban and sporting a beard
demanding that the British Government should pass an order about turban
and beard which went against the Panthik Rehat Maryada. This resolution
was in English which was passed unanimously and sent to the British
Government. 57 The SGPC expressed concerned in connection with S.
Lachhman Singh Gill's unjust attitude after becoming the Chief Minister of
Punjab. Therefore, the following resolution was introduced about the
statements made by S. Lachhman Singh Gill against Sant Chanan Singh and
Sant Baba Fateh Singh in the press and in the general meeting after
assuming office as Chief Minister, Punjab: “Claims are being made that after
taking over as Chief Minister Punjab, S Lachhman Singh Gill, General
Secretary, Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee has issued threats to Sant
Chanan Singh, President and Sant Baba Fateh Singh, member Shiromani
Committee and Dharam Parchar Committee in the press and on public
platforms. They were asked to leave SGPC failing which they and their
supporters will be humiliated and forced out of gurdwaras and SGPC. He
made such remarks against the Sants from public platform on Dec., 9,
1967.” 58 These were published in the press one or two days later. He in the
press and on public platforms was repeatedly making such threatening and
objectionable statements. Later on, at his behest, false cases were instituted
56 Ibid.
57 Ibid.
58 Proceedings of the General Meeting of the SGPC, dated November 2, 1967,
Reference Section, Library SGPC, Sri Amritsar; also see Gurdwara Gazette of
November-December, 1967; The Tribune, November 2 to 5, 1967.
175