Akal Takht protests: Radical Sikh agitators raise black flags, swords at

“These resolutions are a part of a deep-rooted conspiracy to disturb the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in Punjab and to push the Sikhs and the whole of Punjab back into the dark era of bloodshed, murder and mayhem”, the Akali Dal resolution said, adding that the party will “expose this conspiracy”.

Amritsar: Bhai Dhian Singh Mand who was announced as acting Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib by organizers of the Sarbat Khalsa 2015 yesterday has reportedly been arrested by the Punjab police.

The gathering will discuss the ouster of Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh and other Sikh priests involved in pardoning of Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for his alleged blasphemy in 2007, which triggered violence in Punjab and Harana.

The congregation also announced the disbanding the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikhs, and said that fresh elections for the SGPC would be held.

“Para Military Forces, police personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) are keeping a tight vigil at all important places”, Police Commissioner J S Aulakh said.

Since Hawara is in prison, Mand was to take charge as jathedar of Akal Takht, as per the hardliners.

Amritsar: Radical Sikh leaders from in and around Amritsar in Punjab were arrested to prevent a religious showdown at the Golden Temple complex on Wednesday, police sources said. Police was unable to trace Mand as he has gone into hiding.

Later, the core committee of the Akali Dal rejected outright the resolutions passed by the Sikh congregation at Chabba on Tuesday, claiming that these were not the “voice of the people”, rather just a declaration by “radicals”, which can not be considered a decision of the Sarbat Khalsa (entire Sikh community).

The congregation was organised by a few radical Sikh groups.

Prominent among those participated in the event included SAD (A) president Simranjit Singh Mann, UAD head Mokham Singh and Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma. On the other hand, Mand sought Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s social boycott. It was odd how Mand managed to reach Akal Takht and deliver the speech.

Speaking on the incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, Gurbachan said that the state government must ensure round the clock surveillance of Sikh shrines.

Many outfits, including Sant Samaj, Dal Khalsa, Akhand Kirtni Jatha, Akali Dal Panch Pardani and a few Sikh preachers had participated in the congregation.