Sukhbir to SGPC: ‘Sort out differences between Dhuma, Dhadrianwale’

WATCH VIDEO: Guru Granth Sahib Desecration Report Submitted After Hour-Long Drama

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In the meeting presided over by Deputy Chief Minister and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and attended by SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, Sukhbir reportedly urged the participants to find ways out to iron out the differences between Dhuma and Dhadrianwale. SGPC executive committee members and leaders of SAD including Akali leaders Daljit Singh Cheema, Sikander Singh Maluka and Virsa Singh Valtoha also attended the meeting.

An Akali leader told The Indian Express that during the meeting, roping in ‘neutral’ leaders of Sant Samaj to speak to Dhuma and Dhadrianwale for a patch-up was discussed.

Most importantly, the government does not want a fallout of the incident at the Operation Bluestar anniversary, where Dhuma and several radical groups opposed to him and now on Dhadrianwale’s side will all be present at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The deputy chief minister, who is also the Home Minister, is learnt to have told SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar that he should ensure that the anniversary goes peacefully. The last two anniversaries witnessed some ugly incidents and last year, SGPC security ejected pro-Khalistai activists from the premises.

This year’s anniversary, against the backdrop of the tensions over the ‘desecration’ of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sarbat Khalsa and subsequent events including the Dhadrianwale attack, is expected to be more sensitive than usual.

Those behind the November 2015 Sarbat Khalsa are certain to be present at Akal Takht for the anniversary. The November 2015 Sarbat Khalsa organised by the Simranjit Singh Mann-led SAD (Amritsar) and United Akali Dal led by Mohkam Singh, announced its own jathedars (chiefs) to the Sikh Takhts, rejecting the ones appointed by the SGPC.

Opposition to the address by Akal Takht chief Giani Gurbachan Singh on the occasion is anticipated and SAD does not want things to take an ugly turn, which could also have a bearing on the party.

The meeting also discussed the strategies regarding the 300th martyrdom day functions of Sikh general and founder of Khalsa Raj, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.