M A I N   N E W S

Takht ready to soften stand
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 23
In a significant development Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti said today that if Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh tenders a public apology for his blasphemous acts, the Sikh clergy could discuss the matter in its forthcoming meeting to be held on May 31.

Earlier, Jathedar Vedanti had stated that the Dera chief could not be summoned at Akal Takht since he did not believe in Sikh tenants and its established ‘maryada’. As per it only Sikhs could be summoned at Akal Takht.

This development has come in the wake of the visit of non-Sikh religious leaders, led by Swami Agnivesh to Sirsa, who have been trying to find an amicable solution to the standoff.

However, softening of the stand by Akal Takht could pave the way for an amicable solution to the standoff between the Sikhs and Dera Sacha Sauda. He, however, hastened to add that relief could only be given to Dera Sacha Sauda chief as per the aspirations of the Sikhs and as decided by the Sikh clergy. He also reiterated that Akal Takht would continue its efforts to end “Guru-dam” (institution of living Gurus) in Sikhism. Jathedar Vedanti said apart from taking stringent action against anti-Sikh deras, Akal Takht was committed to maintaining peace and harmony in the state.

He said the public apology by the dera chief could certainly help in assuaging the tempers which were already high in the state.

The Sikh clergy had served an ultimatum on Dera Sacha Sauda to shut down its branches in the state by May 27. He said the Sikh sangat would itself get such deras vacated from the anti-Panthic forces. The call given by Akal Takht to dera followers for joining Sikhism had received a good response with a large number them snapping ties with it.

When asked about the visit of non-Sikh leaders, led by Swami Agnivesh to Dera Sacha Sauda, for finding an amicable solution, Jathedar Vedanti feigned ignorance about the move.