Tribune News Service
Amritsar, June 15. The Sikh high priests recently directed the community not to raise gurdwaras on the basis of caste as it would create a divide in the Sikh community. They warned that strict action would be initiated against those violating this edict of the Akal Takht.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said: “It has been brought to our notice that the people are not allowed to pay obeisance in a some gurdwaras because of their caste. This is wrong. The gurdwaras belong to all and anyone from any religion or caste can visit a gurdwara. No gurdwara committee can stop anybody from offering reverence at the shrine.”
The Sikh clergy ostracised Bhai Dharam Singh Nihang for posting a video on YouTube questioning the authenticity of Guru Granth Sahib.
The Jathedar said Bhai Dharam Singh had been summoned to clarify on the issue a number of times, but in vain.
“We have decided to ostracise him. The Sikh Sangat should neither keep any contact with him, nor invite him to any religious or social event.”
The Sikh high priests also directed the management committee of Gurdwara Khalsa Prakash, Windsor (Ontario, Canada), to allow all to pay obeisance at the shrine.
Shiromani Panthic Council chairman Manjeet Singh Calcutta hailed the Akal Takht edict directing the Sikhs not to raise gurdwaras on the basis of caste. He said the Takht should ensure that this was implemented at the ground level.
Fears on Bluestar memorial baseless, says Damdami Taksal
Reacting to the recent statements of various political parties over the Operation Bluestar Memorial, Damdami Taksal Chief Baba Harnam Singh today termed their apprehensions regarding it as ‘totally baseless’.
In a statement, Baba Harnam Singh said the gurdwara being raised in the memory of Operation Bluestar would be in consonance of the traditions of Shri Harmandar Sahib and Shri Akal Takht, he added.
