Punjab: All eyes on SGPC’s decision to address the community on June 6
Punjab: Several Sikh organisations have opposed the idea of the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht to address the community from the highest religious seat of the Sikhs on June 6 on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Now all eyes are on the SGPC to take a decision that is acceptable to all. This will help avoid confrontation among the Panthic organisations. Members of a Sikh organisation at Baba Bakala Sahib today announced support in favour of Akal Takht Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. They said he is a recognised Sikh personality of the Panth who has been discharging religious duties as per the Sikh Rehat Maryada (religious code of conduct) for the last several months. Meanwhile, Damdami Taksal, Sikh Students Federation, Dal Khalsa and Nihang Sikh organisations have expressed their displeasure over the acting Jathedar holding the religious ceremony on June 6. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s two sons, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhuma, Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh have announced that they will not accept the honour to be given by Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar at the Akal Takht on June 6. Sant Bhindranwale was the 14th chief of the Taksal at the time of the Army operation in 1984. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, who met Dhuma yesterday, while talking to the media in Mehta said that the Damdami Taksal chief has expressed his objection to the officiating Akal Takht Jathedar as he has not been appointed after taking approval from the entire Panth and in accordance with decorum. Every year on June 6, an event is held at the Akal Takht to pay tribute to those killed during the Army operation in 1984, where its Jathedar addresses the Sikh community and greets the family members of those killed after offering Ardaas and Bhog of Akhand Paath. He assured that all religious bodies would soon reach a unanimous decision to celebrate the anniversary of Operation Bluestar.
