HOSHIARPUR: Dal Khalsa today lashed out at Akali's led by Sukhbir Singh Badal for undermining the sanctity, aura and supremacy of the Akal Takhat and damaging the credibility of post of Takhat Jathedar.
Dal Khalsa leaders said that the dictatorial and ruthless manner in which the three Jathedars of Akal Takhat, Damdama Sahib and Keshgarh Sahib has been unceremoniously removed proves that Akalis under Sukhbir Badal has embarked on the collision course with the Panthic institutions mindful of its repercussions on Sikh polity.
Leaders were speaking with the media on the sidelines of ‘Kesgarh Di Lalkar’ march organised by Dal Khalsa from Hoshiarpur to Anandpur Sahib with an aim to bolster the confidence of Sikh youth and to promote the spirit of Sikh Nationalism and rejecting the forces that aim to assimilate their distinct identity.
From the day first, it was Badal’s who paved the way for Hindutva party to make inroads in Punjab and even today it’s Badal’s who are hell bent to destroy Sikh polity and create divisions in Sikhs, said Kanwar Pal Singh.
The Sikh organisation opined that it should not be the sole discretion of the SGPC to appoint or remove the Jathedars at its sweet will though it may play the role of a coordinator among the various Sikh organisations for the appointment or removal of Jathedars.
Expressing dismay over the unceremonious removal of three Jathedars in the last one month, Dal Khalsa, places the blame on the Akalis increased uncalled political interference and dabbling in religious affairs.
In principle, Jathedars should enjoy the confidence of the entire Sikh Panth but in the recent past and especially in present case newly appointed Gaini Kuldeep Singh Gargaj is handpicked by Badal and his coterie overlooking and sidelining the Panth. It’s precisely this reason that his appointment has been rejected by large section of the Panth. Moreover, the hush-hush manner in which his Dastarbandi ceremony took place has reduced him to “one party Jathedar”.
Dal Khalsa leaders called upon the general house of the SGPC scheduled to meet on 28 March to reject the decision of the executive members and revoke the sacking orders of three Jathedars.
Kanwar Pal Singh also appealed to Sikh masses to make the executive members answerable for removing Jathedars to satisfy the false ego of their political master Sukhbir.
Kanwar Pal Singh said that the question was not about replacing any specific individual but disrespecting and undermining the Panthic institutions and personalities.
The Dal Khalsa leaders were of the considered opinion that to deal with such unsavoury situation and Panthic crisis a procedural system needs to be put in place about the appointment, removal and working sphere of all five Takhat Jathedars.
Carrying flags symbolising Sikh Sovereignty in their hands, the Dal Khalsa activists asked fellow brethren to dedicate the current year in upholding the honour and dignity of Sikhs as a Nation. The Ardas for the well-being of the Khalsa was performed at local Gurdwara.
The working president of the party Paramjit Singh Mand has called upon the Sikhs to strictly adhere to Sikh principles, culture and traditions. The hegemony of New Delhi has polluted our culture, religion and social lives.
Former president H S reminded the spirited gathering that the message of Anandpur Sahib was a clarion call to fight the forces of religious bigotry and political tyranny. Paramjit Singh Mand said that even today it (Anandpur Sahib) was a symbol of liberty and justice. Quoting from the scriptures, he said that we must continue to strive to achieve our eternal birthright to be master of our own destiny and usher in era of dignity of freedom.