Perneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 26

With the stage set for a meeting of the Sikh organisations under the banner of the United Akali Dal over Dera Sacha Sauda chief pardon row here tomorrow, there are reports that these outfits may reject the decision taken by the Sikh high priests to pardon him and seek its withdrawal.

There is also a buzz that they may ask the Sikh high priests to quit their posts, besides deliberating on the possibility of calling ‘Sarbat Khalsa’. United Akali Dal Chief Bhai Mohkam Singh revealed that tomorrow’s meeting would be attended by SGPC members, former Takht Jathedars, Sikh intellectuals, religious personalities, and various Sikh organisations.

Sources said there was a possibility that the meeting would witness these organisations rejecting the Sikh clergy’s move to pardon the dera chief. Sources said they might also evolve a strategy to build pressure on the Sikh high priests to withdraw this decision. They are also likely to seek the resignation of Akal Takht Jathedar and other Sikh high priests in case the decision was not withdrawn. They might also discuss the possibility of reviving the concept of ‘Sarbat Khalsa’.

Meanwhile, former DSGMC chief Paramjit Sarna said the decision had drawn flak from several quarters, while disclosing that Sikh organisations and management committees of gurdwaras would pass a resolution against it tomorrow. He has also appealed the Sikh Sangat abroad to pass resolution against this decision.

He said they would also soon take a decision on calling ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ deliberations. On the other hand, in a state of shock and disbelief over “hasty and surreptitious” decision of the Sikh high priests, the Dal Khalsa and SAD (Panch Pardhani) have decided to gather at Akal Takht Sahib on September 29 to give a “befitting Panthic response to the gross wrongdoings of the jathedars and also pledge not to rest till the faulty decision-making system of the jathedars is overhauled and there is a complete change in the make-up and system of the SGPC”.

“The entire Sikh community is shell-shocked. It is ironic that the norms, traditions and sovereignty of the Akal Takht has been undermined, compromised and destroyed by those who are mandated to safeguard it,” said leaders of both the groups Kanwar Pal Singh and Advocate Harpal Cheema.

SGPC stands divided

The Sikh clergy’s decision to pardon Dera Sacha Sauda chief has even divided the SGPC with its members openly condemning the move. SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Bhaur said the decision had affected the credibility of the Akal Takht which was unfortunate. He said there was a sense of dismay among the Sikhs due to this sudden decision. He said a number of Sikhs attained martyrdom, while many were still languishing in jails while following the Akal Takht’s edict against the dera.

SGPC executive member Karnail Singh Panjoli said he didn’t agree with the decision and it should be immediately withdrawn. He said there was widespread resentment against the move in the community. Similarly, SGPC member Bibi Kiranjot Kaur had also expressed her disagreement with the decision.