Can’t link Dallewal’s fast with religious ideology: Experts

A number of Sikh scholars agree with Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh’s assertion that there is no concept of “fast unto death” in Sikhism. However, they opine that religion should not interfere or dictate terms in politics or worldly affairs such as protests, strikes and demonstrations.

The Jathedar had earlier stated in Amritsar that he was distressed at the deteriorating health of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is observing an indefinite fast over the demands of farmers. However, he stressed that Sikhism does not advocate sacrificing one’s life through fasting.

Prof Surinder Singh Jodhka from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, said the Akal Takht Jathedar was correct in saying there was no concept of “fasting unto death” in Sikhism. “The concept of Shaheedi does not include sacrificing your life by forsaking food. It means sacrificing one’s life while fighting for a cause,” he said.

He, however, stressed that it might not be proper or logical to use religion in context of farm leader Dallewal’s indefinite fast. “There have been precedents when Sikh leaders have gone on hunger strikes. Dallewal’s struggle is a farmer’s struggle. He is on an indefinite fast as a farmer, not as a Sikh,” he said.

In 1961, Master Tara Singh went on a hunger strike demanding a Punjabi-speaking state. Sant Fateh Singh did so for similar reasons in 1966. Surat Singh Khalsa also observed a hunger strike in January 2015 to demand the release of Sikh political prisoners who had completed their sentences.

Sikh scholar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, BJP leader and Chairman of the National Minority Commission, said, “It is true that Sikhism does not include ending one’s life by forsaking food, but the current farmer protest is about worldly affairs.”

Ashok Singh Bagrian, a noted Sikh scholar, opined: “Kithe siyasat, kithe dharam (you can’t compare politics and religion). The farmer’s protest is socio-economic and political. It cannot be seen through the lens of religious ideology.