Amritsar (December 01, 2009): The Dal Khalsa has expressed apprehension that pro and anti-Dasam Granth factions might clash with each other at Akal Takht on the day when Prof Darshan Singh has been summoned by Sikh clergy to explain his objectionable speech at Gurdwara in US.
Party president and secretary H S Dhami and Kanwarpal Singh in a communique addressed to Jathedar Akal Takht and copy to SGPC president has urged both the heads to take all precautionary measures to prevent showdown at Akal Takht on the day. It is pertinent to mention that the complainant from US has objected that Prof Darshan Singh has narrated a fictitious story attributing to Dasam Granth denigrating the life and personality of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. They said the controversy surrounding the authenticity of Dasam Granth has become deeper and complex. On this issue, the Sikhs stand divided and added that there’s no denying fact that pro and anti Dasam Granth factions were spewing venom against each other thus making the matter worse.
On the other hand, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makhar in a statement has asked Prof Darshan Singh to appear at Akal Takht as a true Sikh. He has downplayed the threat perception to former jathedar and described it as a far fetched notion. Contesting Makhar’s observation the letter stated, “On the face of it, our apprehensions may appear exaggerated. But we have strong feeling that even the slightest provocation could turn the situation out of control”. Jathedar Makhar should not take it lightly, they said and added that the SGPC is the management body and if anything goes wrong, the responsible would be squarely on its president.
Explaining their party position on the issue, the letter states that they don’t want to get dragged in the Dasam Granth controversy as it would take the community to nowhere. They reiterated that Guru Granth Sahib was the only guru of Sikhs and parkash of any granth or holy book is clear violation of Sikh Rehat Maryada and Akal Takht directive.