Amritsar: Calling recent remarks on Sikh maryada, Guru Golak and dasvandh an attack on the faith, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on January 15 and sought an explanation from him. Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj raised serious questions over the conduct of the Punjab government and the chief minister and said strict action would be taken as per maryada.
Earlier in the day, Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government minister for rural development and panchayats, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar in connection with the controversy over photographs installed at the Bhai Jaita Ji memorial.
Sond walked barefoot from Heritage Street to Akal Takht Sahib and offered his clarification regarding objections to the photographs at the Bhai Jivan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) memorial in Anandpur Sahib. He said that in line with Akal Takht’s directions, an officer well-versed in Sikh principles and Punjabi heritage would be appointed in the department to ensure there is no lapse in future.
Chief Khalsa Diwan president Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar and members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee also appeared before Akal Takht Sahib.
Addressing a press conference, acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj said the disrespect of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sikh maryada would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said the Akal Takht would act firmly if its authority or Sikh religious norms were challenged.
