Amritsar, Punjab (May 7, 2013): The Dal Khalsa has asked the Akal Takht and other 4 Takht Jathedars’ to convene Sikh Conclave to thwart the proposed move by the Punjab Government to remove the inscription listing Sikh Nationalist leader Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s name from the “Yadgar” memorial erected in memory of those killed during army attack codenamed Operation Bluestar.
Dal Khasla leader S. Kanwarpal Singh [File Photo]
In an emotive appeal to Akal Takht jathedar, party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said the Panth was in crisis as the rulers of the day were hell bent to interfere in the internal and religious matters of the Sikh Panth. Hence, the role and responsibility to confront such challenges rests on the Akal Takht. Moreover, the naming of the memorial after Sant Bhindranwale related to collective consciousness of the Sikhs.
He took exception over the reported remarks of SGPC head that memorial would not be named after one individual. “Makkar should make no mistake. Sant Jarnail Singh is not an individual. He was a symbol of Sikh struggle and epitome of the Sikh rebellion against injustice and state repression”.
Taking a clear stand that Panth would not tolerate removing of the inscriptions, he said Sant Bhindrawale was accorded the status of a martyr by AKal Takht and SGPC in June 6, 2003. He said if memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Baba Gurbakash Singh would be erected in the Darbar Sahib complex, why can’t be of Sant Jarnail Singh.
He said their organization along with like minded groups would soon submit a memorandum in this regard to the SGPC. He said Makkar should not deviate from SGPC resolution passed on May 3, 2012.