Takhts being misused: Kewal Singh

AMRITSAR, Feb 5: Giani Kewal Singh, jathedar of Damdama Sahib today took a bold stance against misuse of institution of Takhts for politi...

AMRITSAR, Feb 5: Giani Kewal Singh, jathedar of Damdama Sahib today took a bold stance against misuse of institution of Takhts for political purposes and alleged that president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee had been appointing jathedars to suit his political convenience.

While addressing a press conference here, Giani Kewal Singh said the time had come to free Sikh Takhts from all type of influences. He strongly advocated participation of jathedars of all five Takhts, including Patna Sahib and Hazoor Sahib falling outside Punjab, in taking all important decisions.

Kewal Singh said for the last 40 years, a convenient arrangement was working in the functioning of Takht institutions with the help of three Takht jathedars and two head granthis of Aakal Takht and Darbar Sahib. He said he had in writing demanded from the SGPC the it involve all the five Takhts in decision- making.

Kewal Singh said not inviting other two jathedars was a political compulsion of Akali Dal leaders. He said he had submitted in writing that all five takhts be involved in decision-making.

Kewal Singh said whatever was happening in the Sikh Panth was an unfortunate chapter of history. He said all Sikh organisations should come forward to take an appropriate decision. He did not agree with the outcome of the February 2 meeting held at Akal Takht. In reply to a question he said heads of Sikh organisations were invited to chalk out programmes for Khalsa celebrations.

Without naming Bhai Ranjit Singh, he said no jathedar had a right to speak a language of hatred which can cause tension in human relations.

He said he was ready to walk down to the residence of Bhai Ranjit Singh to sort out differences in the interest of the Sikhs. He blamed Bhai Ranjit Singh for working at cross-purposes.

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Kewal Singh said Tohra had admitted in writing that he had visited Nirankari Bhawan in Patiala. He said Bhai Manjit Singh had suggested that Tohra be given minimum punishment when Bhai Ranjit Singh had desired to exonerate him considering his old age and long service to the Panth.

Kewal Singh said Bhai Ranjit Singh had used abusive language against Manjit Singh in the same meeting held on June 25 last. He said Manjit Singh had also opposed the move to excommunicate two Sikh leaders of UK without calling for their explanation and taking the SGPC into confidence.