Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh in Bathinda on Friday. Pawan Sharma
Sukhmeet Bhasin
Bathinda, April 7
Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpeet Singh today clarified that “Sarbat Khalsa” has not been called on Baisakhi. He made these remarks at a “special gathering” called by him at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, to discuss the role of Sikhs and Punjabi journalism in the state.
Nobody can suppress us
No government can suppress our voice. We don’t want war, but discussion with the government. I want to clarify that Akal Takht stands against injustice meted out to journalists who are exposing the governments. Giani Harpeet Singh, Akal takht jathedar
The Jathedar made an appeal to the masses to visit Talwandi Sabo on Baisakhi and requested the media not to twist his words.
He said attempts had been made to create the “atmosphere of fear” by deploying heavy police force. He said devotees reach Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in large numbers ahead of Baisakhi, but the turnout was low this year due to the fear factor.
The Jathedar slammed national media for targeting the Sikh community. He said the media had been running news that Amritpal would surrender today at Talwandi Sabo.
To track anti-Sikh and anti-Punjabi coverage, he announced to constitute a group, which would keep tabs on fake news.
He said, “I want to clarify that Akal Takht will stand against injustice meted out to the journalists who are exposing the governments. Today steps are being taken to suppress media, which is the fourth pillar of the democracy.”
He said, “Social media handles of many Punjabi journalists had been withheld in India on the complaint of the government.”
He said, “No government can suppress our voice. We don’t want war, but discussion with the government. If the government will try to suppress us, we will raise our voice from Haryana, West Bengal and the US.”
The journalists alleged that one-sided stories were being run by a section of media to present Sikhs as “extremists”. They cautioned that the media should publish the stories after getting facts from both sides. They also condemned the withholding of social media accounts of journalists and the police action against them.
The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.
Most Read In 24 Hours
Don't Miss
View All
Top News
Congress nominee's ‘Constitution forced on Goa’ remarks invite PM’s ire; BJP files complaint
A defiant Fernandes says he is ready for a debate on his con...
'My mother's mangalsutra was sacrificed for this country'; Priyanka Gandhi's blistering attack on PM
Priyanka was referring to Modi's allegations that the Congre...
Excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal, Kavitha to remain in jail as Delhi court extends their judicial custody till May 7
They were produced before the court through video conference...
Misleading advertisements: Supreme Court turns heat on IMA; poses questions on alleged unethical conduct of its members
A Bench led by Justice Hima Kohli expands scope of hearing a...
Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi building on ‘M’ factor, is low voter turnout in Phase 1 the reason?
Attacking the Congress using the ‘M’—manifesto, ‘mangalsutra...
