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Time of India
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Under pressure, Akal Takht jathedar skips speech on Operation Bluestar anniversary; breaks tradition; SGPC chief steps in, honours ‘martyrs'
Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Security heightened at Golden Temple ahead of Operation Bluestar anniversary
Amritsar: Both the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the police have made adequate security arrangements in and around the Golden Temple to prevent any untoward incidents in view of the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar—an Army operation carried out to flush out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Sources said that as in previous years, intelligence inputs are being gathered to prevent any clandestine activities. A good number of police personnel in plainclothes will be deployed inside the Golden Temple complex. Police officials have also been holding meetings with Sikh groups and organisations that issued statements opposing Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj delivering a message to the community from the platform of Akal Takht during an event marking the anniversary on June 6. Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, manager, Golden Temple, said that all necessary and essential security arrangements have been put in place throughout the complex. He also appealed to the sangat (community) to cooperate with the SGPC in maintaining a peaceful and respectful environment. Amritsar police commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, said that for the past two days, security and law and order arrangements have been actively enforced. In the meantime, the SGPC began an akhand path (uninterrupted recitation of Guru Granth Sahib) at Akal Takht to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The bhog of akhand path will be performed on June 6. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and others were present at the beginning of the akhand path on Wednesday. Dhami said that the brutal actions carried out by the then govt in June 1984 inflicted deep wounds upon the Sikh community — wounds that can never be forgotten. BOX Nihangs to oppose Gargaj address The heads of various Nihang Singh organisations held a meeting and opined that Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was not acceptable to the Panth, so it will not be appropriate for him to deliver the message to the community on June 6 on "Ghallughara Diwas" (Operation Bulestar anniversary). They said that for the restoration of proper "maryada" (Sikh code of religious conduct), all sects, Damdami Taksal, saintly figures, and Panthic organisations are united on their decision. Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, chief of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal, said that Gargaj was not appointed as jathedar according to Panthic maryada, so he has no authority to directly intervene in Panthic matters. Stating that every effort should be made to avoid any confrontation on June 6, Baba Balbir said SGPC should introspect on its decisions and must not repeatedly make decisions that go against Sikh sentiments. Nothing will happen: Gargaj Amritsar: "Nothing will happen." This was how Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, responded when asked about the strong objections raised by Sikh organisations, including Damdami Taksal, to his expected address to the community on June 6. "I am 200% sure that this year's Ghallughara programme will be even more peaceful than previous years," he said, adding, "Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, the chief of Damdami Taksal, Chowk Mehta, and leaders of other Sikh organisations are all Gurubhai (brothers in faith). The Taksal's former head, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, attained martyrdom here. It is unthinkable that they would create any disturbance." He emphasised that while differences may exist, "such divisions disappear when Sikhs come together in the Gurughar (house of the Guru)". MSID:: 121624134 413 |
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Row after Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyaras declare Akal Takht jathedar ‘tankhaiya'
Amritsar Amritsar: A row has erupted after the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib defied a decree issued by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, and declared its acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib head Tek Singh Dhanaula 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for actions that allegedly hurt the sanctity and dignity of the Takht Patna Sahib. The confrontation escalated on Wednesday when Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht took serious note of the Takht Patna Sahib management's non-compliance with a 2022 directive which ordered an assessment of Patna Sahib jathedar Baldev Singh's Gurbani recitation skills and the transfer of granthi Gurdial Singh. Following continued disregard, both were barred from performing any 'Panthic' (religious) duties, and the management was summoned to appear before the Akal Takht immediately. In a counteraction just hours later, the Panj Pyare of Takht Patna Sahib, led by jathedar Baldev Singh, rejected the Akal Takht's decree and issued their own. They accused the Amritsar-based clergy of overreach and declared that decisions made by other Takhts would neither apply to nor be recognised at Takht Patna Sahib. Experts, however, say as the Akal Takht is the supreme authority, and no one can challenge it. Sukhbir told to appear before Takht Patna Sahib The Panj Pyare also claimed that the controversy was politically motivated, accusing Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal of engineering the interference. Sukhbir has been summoned to appear before Takht Patna Sahib within 10 days or face action 'as per Panthic traditions'. Further, the Patna Sahib decree labelled Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Tek Singh Dhanaula as 'self-styled jathedars', and rejected the Akal Takht's recent exoneration of former Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar. According to Patna Sahib authorities, their earlier decision declaring Gauhar 'tankhaiya' and excommunicating him still stands. This open defiance by Takht Patna Sahib has triggered a crisis in the Sikh religious sphere, potentially threatening the long-standing centralised authority of the Akal Takht over Sikh matters globally. Religious scholars and Panthic leaders have expressed concern over the implications of such disunity within the Sikh temporal institutions. Dr Amarjit Singh, professor, Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), said: 'Such instance was never witnessed in the recent history that Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyare challenged Akal Takht decree. This has hurt Sikh traditions and the community is upset over this.' Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and its former general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal said: 'The Akal Takht took action against those at the helm of Takht Patna Sahib as per the probe report. The Akal Takht is supreme authority. Other Takhts come under it. So, its order cannot be challenged as per the Sikh traditions.'
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Invoking history, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire, calls for peace and dialogue
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on Sunday welcomed the ceasefire decision between India and Pakistan and lauded all the national and international leaders who contributed to the de-escalation of the situation. The Sikh head's message was read out at an interfaith meeting convened by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Guru Nanak Dev Auditorium in Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh. 'From the beginning, I have believed that war should not break out between the two nations. This region does not need war, but peace and mutual harmony. Punjab must not become a zone of conflict. It is home to sacred Sikh heritage and important religious places,' stated the Jathedar, who mentioned that he had performed 'Ardas' before Guru Sahib at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib on Friday for restoring peace in the region. The message of the Sikh head was read out by Jaskaran Singh, media advisor to the secretariat of Akal Takht Sahib. Jathedar Gargaj called upon the faithful and the nation to learn from the 70 years of Sikh rule rather than repeat the mistakes of the past. 'Punjabis, especially Sikhs and Hindus, have suffered since 1947. Many gurdwaras and temples remained in Pakistan after Partition. Sikhs deeply desire to visit these places,' he said, while recalling the conquest of Delhi by Baba Baghel Singh in 1783 and the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh empire in Punjab, when people of different faiths coexisted harmoniously. 'During the 70-year Sikh rule, communal harmony existed in the region. If both governments want peace, then Sikhs should be given a meaningful role, as envisioned during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's time. The forgotten Sikh history must also be revived through collective efforts,' he said. He pointed out that the people in Punjab have consistently demanded the opening of borders for trade with Pakistan, which would, in turn, promote development and help local farmers. He said, 'War claims innocent lives and is harmful to humanity. Both countries should resolve issues through dialogue. Strong communal ties are necessary for peace and stability.' He recalled the sacrifices made by the Sikhs during the country's Independence struggle. 'Sikhs have always stood against oppression. Today, Sikh soldiers continue to defend the borders, and Punjab has the highest number of war widows in India,' he stated. Earlier, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj had condemned the shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch in which Sikh community members were killed and the wall of a gurdwara was damaged last week. A large number of houses were damaged in the cross-border shelling from the Pakistan side in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Akal Takht condemns Pakistani shelling on Poonch gurdwara
May 07, 2025 05:19 PM IST Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, on Wednesday condemned the Pakistani shelling on Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch town of Jammu region that claimed four lives, including that of raagi (devotional singer) Amrik Singh. Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Wednesday condemned the Pakistani shelling on a gurdwara in Poonch town that left four innocent civilians dead. (HT file photo) Four members of the Sikh community were among 12 civilians killed in Pakistani shelling in Poonch district after India carried out missile strikes under Operation Sindoor against nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early on Wednesday. Besides Amrik Singh, the gurdwara raagi, Amarjeet Singh, an ex-serviceman, Ranjeet Singh, a Poonch shop owner, and Mankote resident Balvinder Kour, alias Ruby, were killed in the cross-LoC shelling. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who is officiating as the Akal Takht Jathedar, said the governments of both India and Pakistan must make sincere efforts to resolve the dispute and restore peace. 'War always harms humanity and often results in the death of innocent people. Every possible effort be made to resolve the current situation,' he posted on X. He prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and for the restoration of peace in the region. The jathedar said since Partition and Independence in 1947, Hindus and Sikhs living in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir had borne the brunt of hostilities between the two nations.
