Don’t shield political leaders: Sikh bodies appeal to Akal Takht
Amritsar, August 24
More than 10 Sikh organisations, including Waris Punjab De, Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha Chandigarh and Panthic outfits from Doaba and Malwa on Saturday approached Akal Takht, demanding that jathedars, politicians, religious figures and organisations should not try to shield political leaders. Instead they should restore Panthic-political arrangement as per the Sikh traditions.
Without naming any leader or party, a delegation of these organisations handed over a memorandum to Sukhdev Singh, who is secretary to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.
Yet, it’s clear that the reference was made to SAD president Sukhbir Badal, whose political career depends on the decision to be taken by Panj Pyaras in the meeting to be held on August 30. On July 1, rebel Akali leaders appeared before Akal Takht and apologised for the “mistakes” committed when their party was in power and handed over an apology letter to Akal Takht Jathedar. Following this, Sukhbir was summoned by the Jathedar.
On July 24, Sukhbir apologised for all kinds of mistakes, including favouring Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim, appointing Sumedh Singh Saini as the DGP and other anti-Panthic decisions taken by his party and his government’s during the 10-year stint in the state through a sealed letter.
They also demanded creation of an autonomous body to run the affairs of Akal Takht and to hold SGPC elections.
SGPC for examining script of ‘Emergency’
- The SGPC on Saturday wrote to the Centre demanding to examine the script of film "Emergency", starring actor-MP Kangana Ranaut, before its release on September 6
- The Sikh body sent a letter in this regard to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and to Central Board of Film Certification chairman Prasoon Joshi
- Harjinder Singh Dhami, president, SGPC, said the “objectionable content” should be removed before the movie gets released. Dhami said they would send a legal notice to Zee Studios as well
