Takht distances from govt events on Guru's martyrdom anniversary

Akal Takht acting Jathehar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj today sought to distance the Sikh panth's religious ceremonies from the official ceremonies being organised by the Punjab Government to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of  Guru Teg Bahadur at Shri Anandpur Sahib.

The acting Jathedar today said the government functions were different from those being observed by the Sikh panth.

He noted that while the government functions are being held between November 23 and November 25, the panth would dedicate full week from November 23 to November 29 to commemorate the closing ceremonies on the day when the ninth Guru was cremated at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The Jathedar, who was in the city to attend a seminar to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom day of the Guru, said, "Religion is one’s own choice and the state should not impose anything on anyone."

On the issue of the Sikh woman who went missing in Pakistan and reportedly married a Pakistan national, he said it was the failure of the state government as many cases were registered against her. She should not have been given the permission to travel to Pakistan with Sikh Jatha.