Tohra’s mediation in Akal Takht controversy questioned

AMRITSAR, Sept 3: The Council of Khalistan based in United States has questioned the role of mediator being played by Gurcharan Singh Toh...

AMRITSAR, Sept 3: The Council of Khalistan based in United States has questioned the role of mediator being played by Gurcharan Singh Tohra, president of Shiromani Gurdawara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), to resolve the feud between Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh and Prof. Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh respective jathedars of Takht Kesgarh and Takht Damdama Sahib.

In a faxed statement from the USA, Gurmit Singh Aulakh, president of Council said today that Tohra must fire Manjit Singh immediately. Taking strong exception to disappearance of vital documents from Akal Takht including original copies of edicts, Aulakh sought them back from Manjit Singh who alleged to have taken them away.

Aulakh said it was the duty of Tohra to ensure recovery of Akal Takht records and handing over accounts of World Sikh Council by Manjit Singh. He said Sikhs had every right to present their views regarding Jathedars’ controversy and asserted that Akal Takht represented the whole Sikh nation, it was not Tohra’s personal fieldom.

Story continues below this ad

He further said Manjit Singh, in first place, got installed by Tohra. He said when diversion of funds of World Sikh Council by Manjit Singh had come to his notice, he should have sacked him (Manjit Singh). He alleged that Tohra was more interested in personal ambitions than in the well being of Khalsa Panth.Aulakh said Akal Takht was under seize and the actions of Manjit Singh and Kewal Singh were a clear effort to usurp the authority of Akal Takht. He endorsed the action of Bhai Ranjit Singh banning entry of Bhai Manjit Singh and Kewal Singh into Akal Takht.

He alleged Manjit Singh had betrayed the Khalsa Panth and hes hould be removed from the post.

He said it was time for the new Sikh leadership to emerge in Punjab which should start a peaceful morcha for the Sikh homeland.

Meanwhile, a number of other Sikh organisations from abroad have supported Bhai Ranjit Singh.