Ranjit Singh, Puran Singh issue parallel messages

8216;Badal is one of the three biggest traitors of Sikhs today. The other two being State Finance Minister Kanwaljit Singh and media baron Barjinder Singh Hamdard,8221; Ranjit Singh said in his address. Seeking the community8217;s 8220;cooperation8221; to 8220;liberate the Akal Takht and turn itinto an autonomous institution,8221; Ranjit Singh accused Badal of bringing disgrace to the Akal Takht and termed the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party Government akin to the 8220;Dogra regime8221; that worked against Khalsa traditions.

Puran singh said today8217;s Sikh youths were increasingly becoming victims of the 8220;drug culture and other self-destructive tendencies8221; and there was an immediate need for fighting the menace by launching a massive baptisation drive.

Activists of a banned militant outfit Dal Khalsa raised slogans against Badal and distributed pamphlets.

Reacting to the sloganeering, Badal said Punjab had already suffered immense pain and agony in the past decade. 8220;I appeal humbly to those raising such slogans to have pity on the Khalsa panth and allow people to live in a peaceful environment8221;, the Chief Minister said.

In an oblique criticism of ousted SGPC chief G S Tohra, Badal said the previous leadership of the premier gurudwara management committee spent more time politicking thandevoting itself to religious activities.

8220;I am sure the SGPC under Jagir Kaur would once again concentrate on the religious domain to stem the tide of apostasy among our youth8221;, Badal, who is also president of the ruling Akali Dal, said.

Kaur announced a number of initatives on the occasion to propagate the message of the gurus. These included setting up of a central computer centre linked with major cities internationally, constitution of a panel of Sikh scholars at the Sikh History Research Board, besides setting up of a number of technical institutes in order to keep pace with the demands of a fast- changing society at the turn of the millennium.

A number of resolutions were passed at the conclave held under the tutelage of Ranjit Singh expressing faith in the supremacy of the Akal Takht and its jathedar and recognising the suspended cleric as the rightful incumbent of the top temporal seat.

Another resolution equated Badal with Mughal Emperor Babar, and accused him of having committed a8220;religious crime8221; by violating a hukumnama edict issued last year, which had directed warring Akali leaders to cease fighting till the Sikh tercentenary celebrations were over.

Parliament was urged to pay tribute to those killed in Operation Bluestar and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots through another resolution.

Leaders of several faiths also addressed the gathering from the SGPC-backed stage eulogising the Khalsa spirit and Sikhs8217; contribution to the creation of an egalitarian society.

Messages from United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and United States President Bill Clinton were also read out from the stage, hailing the Sikh diaspora for its enterprise and contribution to society.

A number of Sikh sants holy men were presented siropas robes of honour and a painting of Takht Keshgarh Sahib unveiled by Badal, Puran Singh and Jagir Kaur.