Amritsar (December 01, 2011): Indian Film Industry’s star Amitabh Bachchan is accused for instigating violence against the Sikhs by raising anti-Sikh slogans on Government Television (Door Darshan) in November 1984 after the assassination of Indian Prime Minister 1984, while he was attending Indira’s funeral. Such accusations were levelled against him since last 27 years, but now he is facing a criminal complaint in Australia under Universal Jurisdiction laws.
Now, Amitabh Bachchan has written a letter to the highest Sikh body, claiming that he had not said anything against the Sikhs during the 1984 violence. This letter has come after he was barred by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Highest Temporal seat of Sikhs, from attending the inauguration of Khalsa Heritage Project, due to strong opposition from many Sikh circles. He was invited to attend the function by Punjab Government.
Amitabh Bachchan (69), who was very close to Gandhi family, in his letter, claimed that he never uttered any wrong words against the Sikhs during the 1984 violence and was not involved in any anti-Sikh activity. The actor has taken a plea that his mother Teji Bachchan was from a Sikh family and so he and his family were fully aware of the Sikh tenets and customs.
“Confirming the receipt of the letter, Akal Takht Jathedar Gyani Gurbachan Singh said that it will be discussed during next meet of five Sikh head priests and the next course of action will be decided later”, reports DNA India.
“Takht had issued directions to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar that Bachchan shouldn’t be the part of the inaugural function”, DNA report adds.
Earlier, many Sikh organisations including Sikhs for Justice, Dal Khalsa, AISSF and Sikh Students Federation had also taken a tough stand against the Punjab government for inviting film-stars for the inauguration of the complex.