AMRITSAR, May 14 — The Sikh conclave, at a significant meeting held at Akal Takht here today, pronounced that Sikhs had a distinct identity.

Without naming the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an offshoot of the RSS, Giani Joginder Singh, Jathedar, Akal Takht, who headed the meeting, in his key-note address, said some anti-Panthic forces had resorted to “sinister” moves to create confusion about the unique identity of the Sikh Panth, he said.

The five high priests, including Giani Joginder Singh, Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar, Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Giani Mohan Singh, Head Granthi, Golden Temple, Giani Bhagwan Singh, Head Granthi, Akal Takht, and representatives of more than 100 Sikh organisations participated.

The ‘gurmata’ passed on the occasion stated that all Panthic organisations under the patronage of Akal Takht should make efforts to spread Sikhism in its true essence.

In yet another significant ‘gurmata’, the Sikh conclave directed the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to represent the case of the Sikh Panth in the Constitutional Review Commission constituted by the Government of India. For this purpose, the Sikh conclave suggested a panel of constitutional experts without delay.

The Sikh conclave expressed concern that some forces had been trying to assimilate minority communities by using political power or other methods. However, the Sikh Panth would continue to work for the welfare of all (Sarbat da bhala) as ordained by the Sikh Gurus.

In yet another significant “gurmata” the Sikh conclave asked all Sikh institutions to observe Sikh “maryada.” This was the need of the hour to preserve the identity of the Sikh Panth.

The conclave also took note of the debate on Dasam Granth. It directed the Sikhs not to rush to the press on the issue. The conclave directed the SGPC to organise debates and seminars on the issue. The matter had to be resolved amicably, it stated.

All resolutions were passed amid chanting of “Bole so nihal”. The congregation said the campaign being launched by the Sikh organisations would defeat the nefarious designs of anti-Panthic forces.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), the Dal Khalsa International and the Human Rights and Democratic Front expressed satisfaction over the decisions of the Sikh conclave. Addressing a joint press conference immediately after the conclave, Mr Jagmohan Singh, General Secretary, SAD (Amritsar), Mr Kanwar Paul Singh, spokesman for the Dal Khalsa, and Mr Jaspal Singh Dhillon of the Human Rights and Democratic Front said in the wake of the “gurmata” passed at the Sikh conclave, Mr Parkash Singh Badal should ask the Government of India to delete Clause 25 (1) (B) of the Constitution clubbing the Sikhs with Hindus. They said Mr Badal himself had burnt copies of Article 25 (1) (B) of the Constitution.

They said two representatives of Sikhs, Mr Hukam Singh and Mr Bhopinder Singh Mann, had already rejected the Constitution about 50 years ago.

However, the Khalra Action Committee in a press statement alleged that the conclave had failed to take a clear stand against the RSS. So much so the resolutions passed on this occasion did not name the “RSS”.