Uphold authority of Akal Takht, avoid confrontation on June 6: Balwant Singh Rajoana's message from jail

Time of India

3 days ago

Patiala: Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict in former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh's assassination case, issued a strong message to the
, reaffirming that Akal Takht is the supreme authority of the Khalsa Panth.
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Rajoana's message was conveyed following a meeting at Patiala Central Jail with Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Tuesday.
Jathedar Gargaj, who visited the jail and held discussions with Rajoana on crucial Panthic and Gurmat matters, said the jailed Sikh leader urged the community to preserve the dignity and traditions of Akal Takht during the 41st anniversary of 1984 "Ghallughara" (referred to as
), on June 6,
"Sikh Panth is bigger than me.
If the Panth asks me to refrain from any action on June 6, I will abide. I am a servant of the Panth and hold no hatred towards anyone, including Harnam Singh Khalsa," Rajoana said in his message.
Rajoana called upon the Sikh community to avoid any confrontation on June 6. He reminded that jathedars have always been appointed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and such appointments should be respected by all.
Jathedar Gargaj described Rajoana as a "precious asset" of the Sikh Panth, adding that he had offered personal prayers for Rajoana's "chardi kala" (high spirits) and presented him with "deg" (blessed food) from Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib.
Jathedar Gargaj also criticised attempts to prevent him from addressing the community on "Ghallughara Diwas". Recently, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma had urged the SGPC to stop jathedar Gargaj from delivering the June 6 message from the Akal Takht rostrum.
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"The Panth must rise above divisions. June 6 must be observed with peace, prayer, and unity, honouring martyrs like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Amrik Singh, and Shabeg Singh, who gave their lives to defend Sikh values," the jathedar said.
At the same time, jathedar Gargaj condemned the govt's "discriminatory approach" regarding Rajoana's prolonged incarceration. He said that in 2019, during Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary, the central govt announced the release of several Sikh prisoners, including Rajoana — a promise that remains unfulfilled.
He also warned against disruptive forces attempting to exploit sacred occasions, citing a recent incident of sacrilege involving "Gutka Sahib" near Golden Temple. He urged the govt to take strict and exemplary action against those responsible.
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MSID:: 121600441 413 |