Kanwaljit meets Ranjit Singh
From P.P.S. Gill
Tribune News Service

ANANDPUR SAHIB, Nov 16 — The Jathedar of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, and the Punjab Finance Minister, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, had a closed-door 15-minute meeting here today.

The meeting assumes significance because the Jathedar has decided to stay away from all functions associated with the birth tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa. The first major function is laying of the foundation stone of the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex, which will include "Nishan-e-Khalsa", here on November 22 next.

Capt Kanwaljit Singh, who has already invited the Jathedar to grace the occasion on November 22, reiterated his request. He apprised him of the detailed programme and briefed him on the setting up of the Anandpur Sahib Foundation, which is headed by Mr Barjinder Singh Hamdard. The Jathedar of Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Bhai Manjit Singh, has also been closely associated with the celebrations programme as well as development projects.

The two Jathedars are known to have drifted away from each other. This has already created enough ripples in Sikh circles, both political and religious. Bhai Ranjit Singh’s views on Mr Hamdard are well known.

As the two emerged from the room, Bhai Ranjit Singh was approached by TNS and asked if he would reconsider his earlier decision to stay away from the celebrations. Even before he replied, Capt Kanwaljit Singh said, "Bhai Sahibji has assured me to reconsider his decision". At this the Jathedar kept quiet.

Bhai Ranjit Singh has a grouse. The foundation, he said, was being run by two individuals, whom he did not consider panthic. He was also unaware of what was being decided by the foundation, since he had never been consulted or his opinion sought for such an important event. When asked if his absence would not be misconstrued or give wrong impression to the Sikh Sangat, the Jathedar said: "The Sikhs know what is the truth and what are the facts".

His perception was that several of the key Sikh organisations and sects had also been ignored by the foundation. Therefore, all that was happening at Anandpur Sahib in connection with the celebrations and if the same had any direct bearing on the Sikhs and their religion, was not known to him (the Jathedar). Nevertheless, the Jathedar was ready to "revise" his decision provided there was an "appeal" from such organisations and sects that his presence was important and desired. Bhai Ranjit Singh said "appeal" from the SGPC President, Mr G.S. Tohra, or the Shiromani Akali Dal President, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, was not important: "The two are not the Akali Dal". At this Capt Kanwaljit Singh again said: "Jathedarji, you have promised me to reconsider your decision". Bhai Ranjit Singh again did not contradict or correct the Finance Minister. He got into his car and drove away.

In fact the very presence of Bhai Ranjit Singh at Keshgarh Sahib today was unexpected. The Finance Minister confirmed to TNS that he was not aware of the Jathedar’s presence. "Ours was an accidental meeting. But I have tried to convince him how significant his presence becomes when the Jathedar of two other Takhts, Hazoor Sahib and Patna Sahib (outside Punjab), had confirmed their presence and participation in the foundation stone laying function on November 22. That occasion itself will mark the beginning of the celebrations and a countdown to the D-Day on April 13 next year", he told TNS.

Later, Capt Kanwaljit Singh had a meeting with all officers concerned with various development projects being undertaken for the big occasion. Among those who attended the meeting were the Additional Director-General of Police, Mr M.S. Bhullar, the Secretary, Cultural Affairs (Tercentenary celebrations), Mr G.S. Cheema, the Deputy Commissioner, Ropar, Mr K.S. Sidhu, the Secretary, Public Relations, Mr J.S. Kesar, the Chief Administrator, Anandpur Sahib Urban Development Authority, Ms Vini Mahajan, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr R.S Khatra besides Mr Jasbir Singh Bir from the foundation.

Capt Kanwaljit Singh said invitations had been sent to different religious heads for November 22. Even the Chief of the Army Staff has confirmed the presence of the Sikh Regiment and Sikh Light Infantry Regiment brass bands, which would give a display. A big procession would be taken out from Takht Keshgarh Sahib to the site where the foundation stone was to be laid. The ceremony would be performed by the Panj Piaras.

Referring to reports that people had not been paid adequate compensation for the land acquired for the various projects, Capt Kanwaljit Singh said as a matter of policy the government paid the "market rate" to those whose land was acquired and in addition paid 30 per cent solatium on that price.

Capt Kanwaljit Singh, who reviewed the progress and preparations for the November 22 function, was visibly upset over the excuses given by certain departments. He warned them to pull up their socks or face stern action.

The foundation stone celebrations are expected to cost over Rs 2 crore.