New Delhi: Hours after he was granted 'Z' category security by the Union Home Ministry, Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh, declined to accept it stating that it is impossible for him to go around with security. He also said that his job is to propagate in the country and across the world and therefore it was impossible for him to accept the security cover.
Earlier in the day, a Home Ministry official said that the decision to accord the country's second-highest category security to the Sikh religious leader was taken in view of the enhanced threat perception. "Z category security has been provided to Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Harpreet Singh. The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) commandos will be in charge of his security," an official said.
Akal Takht is the highest temporal seat of Sikhs and Jathedar, is its appointed head. The Akal Takht Jathedar was one of the over 400 people whose security was withdrawn by the newly formed AAP government in Punjab. Even though his security was later restored, the Jathedar refused to take the state government security again.
Also read: Punjab govt appoints STF's ADGP Harpreet Sidhu as Prison in-charge
Earlier another official said that Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Harpreet Singh would be given security by the Central government's CRPF commandos. Under the 'Z' category security, about 16-20 armed commandos are deployed in shifts with the protectee round-the-clock. He will also be provided with an escort and pilot vehicles when he travels by road. (with Agency inputs)
