The SGPC chief today shot a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with copies to the UK High Commission, to halt the auction of a rare body armour believed to be that of the 10th Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh, till its authenticity was established by Sikh experts.

In the communiqué to the PM, SGPC president Avtar Singh called for the immediate intervention of the government of India, as it was a highly sensitive matter involving religious Sikh sentiments.

The historic body armour is kept in the Southeby museum, UK, where it is planned to be auctioned on April 9.

The auction of Guru's relic should be stopped unless it is verified whether it belonged to him, said Makkar, adding, "If it is proved that the body armour belonged to Guru, then Sikhs would do every thing to bring it back."

SGPC's general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur said the after the news came into being, the organisation was constantly in touch with the religious bodies in the UK and prominent Sikh personalities to stop auctioning.

The UK Government, however, does not want to answer how Sotheby's got the suit of armour.

"I think that is really an area that is an issue for people in India. I don't think I should be commenting on this," Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission Creon Butler had said.