Former president of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Avtar Singh Makkar died at a private hospital in Gurugram yesterday. The 78-year old Makkar was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. He was one of the longest-serving presidents of the SGPC, an apex religious body of the Sikhs.<br />'' <br />'' Makkar remained the SGPC president from November 23, 2005, to 4th November 2016. He was also the Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal. He will be cremated in Ludhiana's Model Town Extension today.<br />'' <br />'' Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has expressed his condolences at Makkar's demise. Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal also condoled his demise.<br />''  <br />