Include our demands in manifestos, give 16-20 tickets: Sikh community

A large number of Sikh community members on Sunday assembled at the new grain market in the city to voice their political and social concerns.

Former Akal Takht Jathedar and current Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Harpeet Singh highlighted the role of the Sikh community in the history of the country.

He said all political parties used “votes and notes” of the Sikh community, but never paid heed to their long-standing demands — including political participation and resolution of social issues.

Haryana Sikh Ekta Dal member Pritpal Singh Pannu presented a vision document of the body, highlighting their demands. Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, another member, gave a call for protests at DC offices across the state on November 13, and to gherao the CM’s residence in Chandigarh on December 13 if their demand for the immediate election of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) is not accepted.

For the protest at the CM’s residence, Sikh community members are set to begin the march at Nada Sahib.

Aulakh condemned the sedition charges against 14 Sikhs in Sirsa, and, on behalf of the body, assured support for the Sikh community in the city.

The speakers also announced that the next Sikh convention would be held in Sirsa. Jathedar Harpreet Singh, along with saints of Sikh community, released a vision document. Pannu emphasised their mission to unite Sikhs above divisions of faction, party and caste.

He also called for strict laws against the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, release of Sikh prisoners, and political representation for Sikhs. “We demand 16-20 seats for the Sikh community in Haryana, and the immediate election of the HSGMC, along with strict laws against the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. We call for all political parties to include these demands in their manifestoes,” said Pannu.

Earlier, Jathedar Harpreet Singh talked about the identity of Sikhs, particularly the long beards and turbans, stating that it was this very identity that protected India during Partition. He said if Sikhs had not had this identity, the Pakistan border would have extended to Delhi. He also praised the Haryana Sikh Ekta Dal’s efforts to unite Sikhs in the state, and urged other regions to follow the pattern.