Sikh bodies set up panel to back Akal Takht over edict ‘defiance’

Representatives of nearly 40 Sikh organisations on Friday gathered here to announce that they have formed a temporary coordination committee to support the Akal Takht on the issue of the alleged defiance of its December 2 edict by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders.

Among those who attended the meeting were Baba Sarabjot Singh Bedi of Sant Samaj; Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera; Bhai Mohkam Singh of Damdami Taksal; Ravi Inder Singh of SAD 1920; Gurpartap Wadala, an ex-MLA; Manjit S Khaira, former general secretary of SAD and Sukhdev S Phagwara of Alliance of Sikh Organisations. Sucha S Chhotepur, Harjot Kaur Talwandi, Kiranjot Kaur, Harbans S Kandola, Bharpoor S Dhanola and Tejinder S Pannu also attended the meeting.

The members of the panel said they would work like watch-guards of the Akal Takht and offer the jathedars full support in getting the edicts implemented.

“Attempts have been made by SAD leaders to browbeat the jathedars. We shall also ensure that enrolment drive in the SAD is carried out by the seven-member committee formed by the Akal Takht. We shall hold a big gathering of the Panth soon wherein suggestions shall be taken for finalising a common minimum programme and taking the required steps further,” the members of the committee passed the resolution after the meeting.