HOSHIARPUR, Punjab—After facing criticism by worldwide Sikh Sangat, Jathedar Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala has apologized for his statement at the Ghallughara smagam at Damdami Taksal (Sangrawa) headquarters. In a video statement released earlier today, June 10, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala acknowledged that his selection of words deeply hurt the Sikh sangat.

“My words at the samagam at Sangrawa have hurt the feelings of Sikhs residing in Punjab and worldwide. I seek forgiveness for what I said at the program. I pledge that in future, I will never use such words that lead to divisions within the Panth,” Bhai Ajnala said in the statement.

Interim Jathedar Bhai Dhian Singh Mand also appealed to the Sikh Sangat to accept the apology tendered by Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala. “As the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, I appeal the Sikhs to refrain from further discussing this issue and accept the apology issued by Bhai Ajnala,” he said.

Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal who had organized the meeting earlier today also said that considering Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala’s contributions to the Panth, the Sikh Sangat should accept his apology and move forward. “I hope that Sikhs accept this apology and refrain from further discussing this issue over social media such as Facebook or Whatsapp,” Bhai Daduwal said.

Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala and Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal were appointed as the Jathedars by Sarbat Khalsa 2015 gathering at village Chabba. Speaking at the 1984 remembrance program at Damdami Taksal Sangrawa headquarters on June 7, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala targeted Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma in his speech. He also brought up the issue of Raag Mala, that led the Akhand Kirtani Jatha to issue a statement condemning Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala’s statement. The Akhand Kirtani Jatha withdrew its support of Bhai Ajnala as the Jathedar.