Festivities opened new chapter 8212; Kanwaljit

ROOPNAGAR, May 23: With the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff visiting Anandpur Sahib during the Khalsa tercentenary festivities, the clouds of suspicion which had earlier eclipsed the Sikh image during the days of terrorism had blown over, Punjab Finance Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh has said.

Speaking at a seminar in Bhakumajra village, near here, he said Vajpayee8217;s visit to Anandpur Sahib was significant as it was on a premier8217;s direction that the Akal Takht was stormed by the Indian Army in 1984. However, in the changed scenario, the Chief of Army Staff paid obesiance at Gurdwara Kesgarh Sahib during the festivities. Addressing a gathering of Sikh intellectuals, he said the festivities symbolised the opening of a new chapter in Sikh history. Apart from the Indian government, USA, Canada, England and Australia had also sent greetings to the Sikhs during the event.

In an obvious reference to former SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Kanwaljit said those who earlier described the Akali Dal government as a replica of Maharaja Ranjit Singh8217;s rule are now allergic to it.

In his address, Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Prof Manjit Singh said various functions dedicated to the tercentenary festivities will continue till 2000. Among others who addressed the gathering were Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kulbir Singh Sidhu, former Lok Sabha member Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Chamkaur Sahib MLA Satwant Kaur Sandhu, Dr Darshan Singh and Jasbir Singh.