Chandigarh: The impact of Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s recent directive against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was visible at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on Friday, where Sikh youths appealed to devotees arriving under the state’s Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme to remove identity cards carrying the Chief Minister’s photograph before entering the shrine.
The appeal follows the recent order issued by the five Sikh High Priests of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in connection with the controversial video case, in which Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was described as “Guru Dokhi” and “Panth Virodhi”, while members of the Sikh community were asked not to extend support to him.
At the plaza complex outside Sri Harmandir Sahib, a group of Sikh youths requested pilgrims to remove the identity cards from around their necks and keep them in their pockets before proceeding for darshan. They told the devotees that the appeal was in accordance with the directive issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
A video of the incident has also gone viral on social media, showing the youths informing devotees about the Akal Takht’s directive. Following the appeal, several pilgrims were seen removing the identity cards before entering the shrine.
SGPC confirms incident
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) confirmed that the incident took place but clarified that the appeal was made by Sikh devotees who had themselves come to pay obeisance and was not part of any official arrangement inside the shrine complex.
The SGPC also said it has installed large display boards carrying copies of the Akal Takht’s directive at several gurdwaras under its management to make the Sikh community aware of the order.
Earlier, the SGPC had submitted a complaint to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), seeking registration of a case against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in connection with the controversial video.
Meanwhile, the SGPC has convened a Panthic gathering at Manji Sahib Diwan Hall on July 5, where representatives of various Sikh organisations, Singh Sabhas, Nihang groups, religious sects and other Panthic bodies have been invited to discuss the issue.
