Sikh organisation for action over attack on preacher

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 9

The Panthic Talmel Sangathan, an umbrella of organisations of various Sikh religious groups, has stated that Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh must take voluntary action against the management of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Southall (London), over the murderous attack on Sikh preacher Amrik Singh Chandigarh.

Addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday, Giani Kewal Singh, president of the sangathan, who had been Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, said the jathedar must take similar action against the management of the gurdwara as he took in the case of Harnek Singh Neki of New Zealand. He added the sangathan appreciated the instance of the jathedar in the case of Neki.

Jaswinder Singh, Advocate, a senior member of the sangathan, said, “We will not approach the jathedar for action against the perpetrators, who had assaulted Amrik Singh. We keep the Akal Takht and its 32-member Rehat Maryada in high esteem but do not consider Giani Gurbachan Singh as its head after he pardoned Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.”

“Turban is of utmost respect in Sikhism, so toppling Amrik Singh’s turban and pulling his hair amounts to blasphemy,” he added.