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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson questions narrative on June 6 Ardas and Jathedar appointment
Amritsar: A war of words has erupted within Sikh religious circles after the Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, was accused of bypassing a long-standing tradition by not delivering the customary June 6 'sandesh' — a formal message to the Sikh community on the anniversary of Operation Bluestar , a 1984 military operation to smoke out holed up terrorists from the Golden Temple. Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson Sarchand Singh has pushed back against attempts by the Akal Takht secretariat and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to suggest that Giani Gargaj's 'sandesh' was embedded within his 'Ardas' (prayer), arguing that this kind of claims reflect a basic misunderstanding of Sikh religious practice. "An Ardas is a humble supplication to the Guru; a 'sandesh' is a directive message to the 'quom' (community)," Sarchand Singh said. "There was nothing new or directive in this year's Ardas compared to previous commemorations. To equate the two is misleading." The criticism follows mounting scrutiny over Giani Gargaj's role and legitimacy. Sarchand Singh expressed dismay that Gargaj — who was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Panj Pyare at Takht Patna Sahib — was given a 'Siropa' (robe of honour) reportedly at the Akal Takht, despite Sikh tradition dictating that a 'tankhaiya' must first complete prescribed penance and receive formal absolution before being honoured at any Takht. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Sarchan Singh said: "Offering a Siropa to someone declared tankhaiya without due absolution sets a dangerous precedent. This violates religious protocol directly." The controversy also reignites long-standing debates over the SGPC's authority to appoint Jathedars. While acknowledging that the SGPC holds administrative power over Takht appointments, Taksal's former spokesperson asserted that this kind of decisions lacked spiritual legitimacy unless endorsed by broader Sikh institutions. He said: "The identity of the Panth cannot be upheld if Sikh sects, Nihang groups, and Sabha societies are excluded from the process. Jathedars are being appointed like SGPC employees, diminishing the stature and sanctity of these positions. The dispute highlights deeper fissures within Sikh religious governance, raising fresh questions about accountability, tradition, and the role of representative consent in decisions affecting the global Sikh community. MSID:: 121695262 413 |
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Op Bluestar anniversary: To avert clash, jathedar delivers ‘sandesh during ardas
The 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar was observed peacefully at Golden Temple in Amritsar amid tight security on Friday, with the Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj delivering 'sandesh' (message) to the community during 'ardas' (prayer) to avert any clash. Instead of jathedar, Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami felicitated the kin of Sikh leaders with 'siropa' (robe of honour) killed during the army action in June 1984. This is the first time in 25 years (1999) since the event became an annual affair, that a jathedar has not delivered a direct address to the community from the Akal Takht, thus avoiding any confrontation with Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma and some Nihang organisations, who had opposed Giani Gargaj's appointment as jathedar and had announced that they would not let him deliver 'sandesh.' In a surprise move, Giani Gargaj performed the 'ardas' at the end of which he raised issues concerning the Sikh community, what was called his 'sandesh.' He sought the release of Sikh prisoners; the unity of the panth; restrictions on wearing kakars (articles of faith) by Sikhs, and a prayer for Punjab not becoming a battleground in the India-Pakistan conflict. He also raised concern over ongoing efforts to blur Sikh identity and the issue of 'targeted killings' of Sikhs in the country. Interacting with the media at the Takht secretariat later, Giani Gargaj said, 'I gave my sandesh through ardas.' 'Sometimes we have to make such kind of decisions for the larger interests of the panth', he added. The jathedar stated that Punjab is the land sanctified by the Sikh Gurus, and seeds of hatred must not be sown here. Dhami presented 'siropas' to the kin of Sikh leaders after Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh, the sons of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was killed in Operation Bluestar, had backed Taksal's chief and had announced that they would not accept the 'siropa from the jathedar. Dhumma hailed SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami's role in this mutual understanding. On Friday, Dhumma reached the Takht with supporters, including armed nihangs. SGPC staff insisted only he enter the Takht building but allowed a few armed supporters along with him after an argument. The SGPC staff and Punjab Police personnel in plainclothes were on their toes to ensure order in the Golden Temple complex. SGPC employees escorted Giani Gargaj, who wore a black turban in protest of the army action, to the Takht, where Dhumma was made to sit in front of him. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann, who had backed Giani Gargaj, alleged that 'conservative forces' did not let Singh Sahib (acting jathedar) deliver his 'sandesh' properly and give siropa to kin of slain leaders. 'Causing disruption in the proceedings of Akal Takht is against the maryada and we condemn it', he added. Sarbat Khalsa-appointed acting parallel jathedar of Akal Takht Dhian Singh Mand also issued a separate 'sandesh' advocating unity in panth and burying the hatchets. The entire periphery of the Golden Temple near Akal Takht echoed with pro-Khalistan slogans raised by activists of different bodies including Dal Khalsa, SAD (A) and Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale). Scuffles broke out between SGPC staff and young nihangs after the latter were not allowed to enter the Akal Takht. An angry young nihang attempted to hit an SGPC staffer with his dagger after the event in the shrine complex but was overpowered by the staff and locked in a room with the help of cops in plain cloth. A big function was also organised at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash, headquarters of Damdami Taksal at village Chowk Mehta in Amritsar district. Complete bandh observed in Amritsar On the call of radical organisations, a complete bandh was observed on Friday with almost all the commercial outlets, shops, showrooms, and shopping malls remaining closed. Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, IDH market, Lawrance Road, Ranjit Avenue markets and all other main commercial hubs wore deserted look and the cops kept a tight vigil to prevent any untoward incident. Services, including transport, were hit, while health services remained normal. Most of the residents preferred to stay at home. Banks and educational institutes also remained closed. However, health services remained normal.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Under pressure, Akal Takht jathedar skips speech on Operation Bluestar anniversary; breaks tradition; SGPC chief steps in, honours ‘martyrs'
Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Op Bluestar anniversary: Jathedar skips ‘sandesh' amid opposition from radicals
The 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar was observed peacefully at Golden Temple in Amritsar amid tight security on Friday, while the Akal Takht acting jathedar did not directly deliver the traditional 'sandesh (message)' to Sikhs for the first time since 1999 though he raised issues concerning the community in the 'ardas (prayer)'. To avoid a confrontation with Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma and other radical leaders who had opposed his recent appointment as officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj performed the 'ardas', seeking the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners in jails even after completion of their terms); the unity of the Panth; and a prayer for Punjab not becoming a battleground in the India-Pakistan conflict. Interacting with the media at the Takht secretariat later, Giani Gargaj said, 'The sandesh was in the ardas.' Dhumma and other Sikh radical outfit leaders had opposed Gargaj's appointment as officiating jathedar, citing violation of 'maryada and Panthic traditions'. This was for the first time since 1999 that the jathedar neither delivered the address from Akal Takht nor did he felicitate Sikh families who lost their near and dear ones in the army operation to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in June 1984. Following damage to the Akal Takht building in Operation Bluestar, a new structure was built in 1998 and in 1999, radical Sikh outfit Dal Khalsa started observing the June 6 anniversary. On Friday, Dhumma reached the Takht with supporters, including armed nihangs. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staff insisted only he enter the Takht building but allowed a few supporters in along with him after an argument. The SGPC staff and Punjab Police personnel in plainclothes were on their toes to ensure order in the Golden Temple complex. SGPC employees escorted Giani Gargaj to the Takht, where Dhumma was made to sit in front of him. In a surprise move, Giani Gargaj led the prayers at the end of which he raised issues concerning the Sikh community. Since Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh, the sons of militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who was killed in Operation Bluestar, had backed Dhumma by announcing that they would not accept the 'siropa (robe of honour)' from Giani Gargaj, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami honoured family members of Sikh leaders who died in the army action in 1984. The entire periphery of Golden Temple near Akal Takht echoed with pro-Khalistan slogans raised by activists of the Dal Khalsa, former MP Simranjit Singh Mann-led Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), his associate and former MP Dhian Singh Mand, who was appointed acting jathedar at the 2015 Sarbat Khalsa. Mand issued a separate 'sandesh'. Meanwhile, a bandh was observed in key markets of Amritsar on a call given by the Dal Khalsa. Shops and offices were closed in Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, Lawrence Road and Ranjit Avenue. Traffic was thin amid tight security.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Op Bluestar anniv: Jathedar to deliver ‘sandesh' amid opposition by Taksal
With preparations underway for the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar — military operation carried out in June 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple — tensions have escalated over Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj traditional 'sandesh' (message) from the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority amid opposition by Damdami Taksal. The controversy started after Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma announced his group would not permit the jathedar to deliver the message, citing that Giani Gargaj did not assume his position according to Sikh 'maryada' (religious code) and lacks community acceptance. In a bid to defuse the situation, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami visited the Taksal headquarters on June 3 to hold talks with Dhumma. Dhami, who is reportedly close to the Taksal leadership, is working to prevent any confrontation at the Akal Takht during the sensitive event. Despite the meeting, the deadlock remains Thursday, Dhumma reiterated his stance in a Facebook post, warning that if Giani Gargaj attempts to deliver the 'sandesh' or honour families of those killed during Operation Bluestar, his group would stage a protest. Dhumma also denied reports of a closed-door meeting with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)president Sukhbir Singh Badal. People familiar with the matter indicate that Giani Gargaj is determined to proceed with the traditional address, while the SGPC president is urging restraint to ensure the event passes off situation is further complicated by the involvement of Simranjit Singh Mann, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), who has opposed Dhumma'scall for disruption and appealed for calm. Some SAD leaders have also advised against the jathedar delivering the message under the current circumstances. However,speaking to the media on Wednesday, Giani Gargaj signalled that the ritual of'sandesh' delivery would continue and predicted that this year's event would be more peaceful than previous ones. To avoid further provocation, the jathedar may forgo the customary honouring the families of Operation Bluestar victims with'siropas' (robe of honour), said people familiar with the developments. Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh, sons of slainmilitant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, have rejected any honour from Giani Gargaj and aligned themselves with Dhumma's stance. In response, Giani Gargaj said: 'If they don't want to accept siropa from me, I respect them because they are progeny of the great martyr.' Radicals take out march On the eve of the Operation Bluestar anniversary,the Dal Khalsa and its allies, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Panth Sewak Jatha, took out a march in Amritsar and raised slogans. Starting from Burj Akali Phoola Singh, the march reached Golden Temple, where 'ardas'was performed at the Akal Takht.
