HSGMC chief defends Black Day event to mark 50th anniversary of Emergency amid internal strife

The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) is ramping up preparations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency as Black Day.

The HSGMC has planned to hold an event in the auditorium hall of Kurukshetra University on June 26 and honour the individuals and their family members who were imprisoned during the Emergency. HSGMC chief Jagdish Singh Jhinda, along with the executive body members, held meetings on Monday with district administration and Kurukshetra University authorities regarding the event and the security arrangements. The committee has sent invites to leaders, especially those who were jailed during the Emergency, of various political parties to attend the event.

However, the decision to observe Black Day has faced opposition from a faction of committee members. The dissenting members, operating under the banner of Akal Panthak Morcha, argue that the committee should prioritise the management of Gurdwaras and educational institutions rather than engage in political agendas.

HSGMC member Harmanpreet Singh said, “We have decided to boycott the event as the committee chief and his supporters are merely following political agendas. The Sikhs of Haryana have elected us to manage the gurdwaras and educational institutions and focus on dharma prachar. The decision to observe Black Day is not within the mandate of HSGMC.”

He further questioned the timing of the event, saying, “Jagdish Singh Jhinda was the president of the adhoc committee as well, but no such event has been held in the past. Why is it being organised now? Moreover, no discussion was held with the members before calling for the event. We will hold a meeting on Tuesday to further discuss this issue.”

In response, Jhinda said “Since the committee has its general house meeting on June 25, it was decided to hold the event to observe Black Day and honour those who were jailed during the Emergency on June 26. We have invited leaders belonging to various political parties who were jailed during the period of emergency. Meetings have been held today with City Magistrate Kurukshetra Raman Gupta and Kurukshetra University Registrar Dr Virender Pal, regarding the event.”

“The decision to impose Emergency was undemocratic. The young generation should know how people were sent to jails and understand their pain. Those who have been questioning the intention must understand that now it was the 50th anniversary and that is why the event is being held for the first time. They should support the decision instead of supporting those who imposed the Emergency,” Jhinda added.