Villagers in Giddarpindi have claimed that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been deliberately evasive and uncooperative regarding the “release” of their gurdwara from the Sikh body’s authorities.

An SGPC task-force, led by area SPGC representative Shingara Singh, allegedly seized control of Gurdwara Dharmshala Tahli Sahib and Shaheed Udham Singh Public School from the village on January 11.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar met a delegation of nearly 70 villagers yesterday and assured them that the gurdwara would be handed back to the village. He added that they should return to see him today for further talks.

Giddarpindi sarpanch Balbir Singh said, “Today, nearly 100 villagers went to meet the SGPC president, but his personal assistant told us that he was not well.”

The secretary told the villagers that the SGPC would not take any action in the matter and that they should take up their grievances with area MLA Ajit Singh Kohar and the area SGPC member.

Another villager, Dilbagh Singh, complained, “It is harassment. Why should a political leader be asked to intervene in a matter concerning the SGPC?”

On being contacted, SGPC secretary Joginder Singh said SGPC would only act with the consent of local SGPC authorities, adding that they are the elected officials. When asked about why the villagers were not allowed to meet the SGPC president, he said Makkar was not well.