Bandi Chhor: SGPC plans to keep ‘parallel’ clergy at bay

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 16

On the directions of Akal Takht, the SGPC has called an emergency meeting here tomorrow and prepare a plan to prevent any untoward incident during Bandi Chhor Diwas on October 19, an official said here today.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said it was the responsibility of the SGPC and the state government to ensure peace in and around the Golden Temple.

“If ‘parallel’ Jathedars try to disrupt the Akal Takht Jathedar’s address to the community, the SGPC will take stern action,” he said.

Dr Roop Singh, SGPC general secretary, said: “Nobody will be allowed to disturb peace and violate the sanctity of the Golden Temple and Akal Takht. We are expecting cooperation from the administration.”

Meanwhile, sympathisers of “parallel” Jathedars today visited the Kotwali police station, demanding action against the SGPC task force in connection with a clash at the Golden Temple complex on October 12.

After receiving complaints from both sides, the police had registered a case against 23 persons the next day.

Twenty of them were mentioned as “unknown”. Those booked by name are Satnam Singh Manawa, vice-president, United Akal Dal (UAD); Balwant Singh Gopala, president, the Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale); and Jarnail Singh Sakhira, general secretary, SAD (Amritsar).

On the complaint of SGPC additional secretary Bijay Singh, who was also injured in the clash, the police had registered a case under Sections 323, 324, 148 and 149 of the IPC.

Sakhira alleged the police were acting in a biased manner. “Members of the SGPC task force, who attacked us, should also be booked by name. Our complaint was not heard.”

Mohkam Singh, UAD president, said: “Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Amrik Singh Pawar has promised us justice. The culprits are enjoying immunity as they are backed by the SGPC.”