Akal Takht summons Punjab minister Harjot Bains, language dept head over controversial Srinagar event

Taking serious note of complaints from the Sikh community about a controversial program organised by the Punjab Government in Srinagar to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has summoned Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Director of the State Bhasha Vibhag (Language Department) Jaswant Singh.

The minister and the director have both been directed to appear before the assembly of the five Sikh high priests at Akal Takht on August 1 to present their clarifications on the matter.

However, hours after the summons from Akal Takht, Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains tendered an apology. In a social media post, Bains stated that he humbly accepted the summons and assured that, as a Sikh Cabinet Minister, he took responsibility for the mistake—whether knowingly or unknowingly—committed by the event’s management.

Earlier, Jathedar Gargaj had stated that despite considerable time having passed, neither the minister nor the director has clarified their position or offered an apology for hurting Sikh sentiments.

He said that individuals holding constitutional positions bear a heightened responsibility toward society, and their continued silence on such a sensitive religious issue is deeply concerning.

Highlighting the unprecedented nature of the controversy, the Jathedar remarked: “It is for the first time in history that an event commemorating the martyrdom of a Sikh Guru was interspersed with songs, dance, and entertainment, which is entirely unacceptable.”

He further stated that the August 1 gathering will deliberate on Panthic and religious issues, and both Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh must present their side before the Sikh clergy.

Jathedar Gargaj also confirmed that singer Bir Singh, who was named in related complaints, had appeared before Akal Takht on Friday and tendered an apology, which will also be reviewed during the deliberations.

Providing additional confirmation, Akal Takht secretariat in-charge Bagicha Singh said that official summoning letters have been issued to both the Cabinet Minister and the Director of Bhasha Vibhag, instructing them to present their explanations at the upcoming session.