AISSF chief cautions against VHP designs’

Lamenting the attacks on Christian missionaries on the conversion issue, Gill said, "Tomorrow VHP might question the Sikh identity on this count."

Gill made it clear that any attempt to project Sikhs as part of the Hindu religion was not acceptable. He pointed out that apostasy has been persisting in the Sikh institutions, leave apart government colleges and schools. "In most SGPC-run Khasla colleges, young boys are distancing from Sikh values," he said. He demanded that strict code of conduct be imposed at these institutions to discourage apostasy among the youth and attributed the problem to the absence of a charismatic leadership.

Though he appreciated the contribution of late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in bringing apostates back into the Sikh fold, he said, there is no parallel between the slain extremist leader and Ashok Singhal of the VHP. "Unlike VHP leaders, Bhindranwale never wanted non-sikhs to convert".

Lamenting that "communal colour" was given to Bhindranwale’s "amrit parchar", he said, "his absence during the ongoing Khasla tercentuary celebrations was a big set back".

Calling the Akal Takht edict a New Year gift, Gill said the ministers who had earlier resigned from the Punjab Cabinet be immediately reinducted as a goodwill gesture. He added that unity is important for all practical reasons. "Crisis within the party will not only help the Congress, but will also bring religious programmes to a stand still," he warned.