Dhami's meeting with Dhumma fails to yield a breakthrough
A day after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accused Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhumma of 'acting under the influence of government agencies', Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Monday met Dhumma in a bid to ease tensions.
Dhumma drew SAD flak after he declared that Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargarj would 'not be allowed to deliver any message' to the Sikh community on the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6.
'Gargarj is not recognised as a Panth-approved Jathedar and has already been declared 'tankhaiya' (under religious penalty) by the Panj Pyare by the Takht Patna Sahib,' Dhumma had said.
Questioning Dhumma's motives, SAD leader Parambans Singh Romana said, 'Is this being done at someone's behest? On one hand, we had a Taksal head who sacrificed his life for the dignity of the Akal Takht, while on the other, we have one acting as an agent trying to derail events meant to pay tributes to martyrs.'
Dhami's meeting with Dhumma failed to yield a breakthrough as the latter remained adamant on his position and warned of 'serious consequences' if his concerns were not addressed.
Speaking after the meeting, Dhumma said, 'We support peace during the June 6 events, but someone who lacks legitimacy cannot be allowed to issue messages on behalf of the Takht. If such actions continue, tensions will escalate. The SGPC has assured us that they will seek a resolution.'
Romana had also said, 'Every year, the Sikh community organises programmes to pay homage to the martyrs. Sadly, Harnam Singh Dhumma is trying to sabotage these commemorations.'
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