Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Kirpal Singh Badungar on Saturday said the Sikh community's opinion would soon be sought on the question of allowing Sikh women to perform religious services in the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple.

This issue dominated the discussion he had with Akal Takht jathedar Gyani Joginder Vedanti earlier in the day, Badungar said.

"Women must be allowed to perform all kinds of sewa, including leading the golden palanquin holding the Guru Granth Sahib from the Akal Takht to the Golden Temple and back," he said.

The process would be begun gradually, he said. "Initially, a group of women would be given a chance to sing hymns in the sanctum sanctorum. In due course, they will be allowed to perform all kind of sewas currently being carried out by men,"  he said.

"Sikh religion always held women in high esteem. Sikhism is concerned only with the purity of thoughts and does not encourage gender bias."

"Women are equal to men," he said pointing out that they are now actively participating in Sikh politics.

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