Akal Takht flays clash between HP residents, Sikh tourists

The Akal Takht has taken a strong note of a violent clash in Himachal Pradesh between local residents and Sikh youths. The clash erupted following a dispute over flags bearing the image of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale displayed on their vehicles.

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to take up the matter with the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Jathedar Gargaj also issued an advisory to Sikh youths to ensure their vehicle documents were in order and refrain from travelling alone in Himachal Pradesh.

“When the police intervened to check a Sikh youths’ vehicle documents, there was no reason for local miscreants to reprimand them or raise objections about the flag and the image of Bhindranwale. It was unjustified to question the picture of Bhindranwale,” he said.

Bhindranwale is recognised as a “Qaumi Shaheed” (community martyr) by Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat for the Sikhs.

SGPC panel to review NEP

The SGPC executive body on Monday approved the formation of a panel of scholars to review the Centre's New Education Policy (NEP). After a meeting here, senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk said they had decided to form the committee following a message delivered by Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.

Virk said the committee would evaluate reforms necessary in the NEP in context with Punjab.