Latest news with #Panth
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Security heightened at Golden Temple ahead of Operation Bluestar anniversary
Amritsar: Both the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the police have made adequate security arrangements in and around the Golden Temple to prevent any untoward incidents in view of the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar—an Army operation carried out to flush out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Sources said that as in previous years, intelligence inputs are being gathered to prevent any clandestine activities. A good number of police personnel in plainclothes will be deployed inside the Golden Temple complex. Police officials have also been holding meetings with Sikh groups and organisations that issued statements opposing Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj delivering a message to the community from the platform of Akal Takht during an event marking the anniversary on June 6. Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, manager, Golden Temple, said that all necessary and essential security arrangements have been put in place throughout the complex. He also appealed to the sangat (community) to cooperate with the SGPC in maintaining a peaceful and respectful environment. Amritsar police commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, said that for the past two days, security and law and order arrangements have been actively enforced. In the meantime, the SGPC began an akhand path (uninterrupted recitation of Guru Granth Sahib) at Akal Takht to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The bhog of akhand path will be performed on June 6. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and others were present at the beginning of the akhand path on Wednesday. Dhami said that the brutal actions carried out by the then govt in June 1984 inflicted deep wounds upon the Sikh community — wounds that can never be forgotten. BOX Nihangs to oppose Gargaj address The heads of various Nihang Singh organisations held a meeting and opined that Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was not acceptable to the Panth, so it will not be appropriate for him to deliver the message to the community on June 6 on "Ghallughara Diwas" (Operation Bulestar anniversary). They said that for the restoration of proper "maryada" (Sikh code of religious conduct), all sects, Damdami Taksal, saintly figures, and Panthic organisations are united on their decision. Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, chief of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal, said that Gargaj was not appointed as jathedar according to Panthic maryada, so he has no authority to directly intervene in Panthic matters. Stating that every effort should be made to avoid any confrontation on June 6, Baba Balbir said SGPC should introspect on its decisions and must not repeatedly make decisions that go against Sikh sentiments. Nothing will happen: Gargaj Amritsar: "Nothing will happen." This was how Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, responded when asked about the strong objections raised by Sikh organisations, including Damdami Taksal, to his expected address to the community on June 6. "I am 200% sure that this year's Ghallughara programme will be even more peaceful than previous years," he said, adding, "Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, the chief of Damdami Taksal, Chowk Mehta, and leaders of other Sikh organisations are all Gurubhai (brothers in faith). The Taksal's former head, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, attained martyrdom here. It is unthinkable that they would create any disturbance." He emphasised that while differences may exist, "such divisions disappear when Sikhs come together in the Gurughar (house of the Guru)". MSID:: 121624134 413 |
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Uphold authority of Akal Takht, avoid confrontation on June 6: Balwant Singh Rajoana's message from jail
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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "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. MSID:: 121600441 413 | MSID:: 121600441 413 |
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Punjab BJP deletes tribute post for those killed during Operation Bluestar
The Punjab BJP has deleted a social media post in which it paid tributes to "martyrs" of Operation Blue Star, the Army operation which was carried out in June 1984 to flush out armed militants from the Golden Temple. The post on X was shared on Sunday but it was taken down later without assigning any reason for the same. In the post, the Punjab BJP had condemned the then Congress government for "attacking the Golden Temple" and expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives. The post, which has now been deleted, read, "June 1, 1984'?' 'Saka Neela Tara'. A humble tribute to all the martyrs of the day one of the attack on the Darbar Sahib by the Congress government." In a statement, Gargaj stated, "In June 1984, when Sikh devotees had gathered to observe the martyrdom day of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, the then Congress-led government launched a military assault using tanks, artillery, and bullets on the central Sikh religious place, Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib." He said, "the Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984. "The first week of June each year is a deeply emotional and solemn time for the 'Panth', when martyrs are remembered," he said. The jathedar urged that from June 1 to 6, special 'Gurmat Samagams' (religious congregations), lectures, and seminars should be organised globally by Sikhs. He also instructed all gurdwara management committees to hold special Sri Akhand Path Sahib recitations and invite historians and preachers to gurdwaras to educate 'sangat' (congregation) about the events of June 1984 and November 1984 (anti-Sikh riots).
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Giani Gargaj pushes for unity as Taksal to oppose his Akal Takht address during Op Bluestar anniversary event
A day after the announcement by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma regarding preventing acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from delivering a message from the platform of Akal Takht during an event marking Operation Bluestar anniversary on June 6, Gargaj called for panthic unity on Sunday. The announcement has left the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) worried as in such a situation, it may be challenging for it to maintain peace during the commemoration. On Monday, an SGPC delegation, led by president Harjinder Singh Dhami, will meet the Damdami Taksal chief. Reiterating that Gargaj's appointment was not made in accordance with the Sikh 'rehat maryada' (code of conduct), Dhumma had on Saturday said the community does not accept Gargaj as a legitimate jathedar, and any attempt by him to deliver a message would be strongly opposed by the Damdami Taksal and other Sikh organisations,' he said. Meanwhile, Simranjit Singh Mann, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), said any attempt to silence Giani Gargaj is unjust and divisive. 'We will not allow such a misconduct. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is Sikhs' spiritual throne. Here, we must gather with humility and respect to remember our martyrs through prayer,' he said. 'From Abdali to Indira Gandhi, many have attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but it has always stood firm. We urge Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma to uphold the sanctity of this Takht and show seriousness and respect in his statements,' he said. An SGPC official, requesting anonymity, said, 'Maintaining peace during the event will be a big challenge.' Harjinder Singh Dhami will lead an SGPC delegation to meet Dhumma on Monday. In a press release issued by the SGPC office, he stated that the purpose of the meeting with the head of Damdami Taksal is to strengthen the panthic unity and to prevent any kind of confrontation during the event. Dhami admitted to being concerned about the current situation but expressed confidence in finding a meaningful resolution. Meanwhile, Giani Gargaj also appealed to the entire Sikh community to commemorate these days with the spirit of panthic unity and pay respectful homage to the 'martyrs'. He said, 'The Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984. The first week of June each year is a deeply emotional and solemn time for the Panth, when martyrs are remembered. These martyrs sacrificed their lives for the nation, and they will always hold a place of utmost respect in the hearts of the Sikhs'. Gargaj said, 'From time to time, certain forces have covertly attempted to prevent the Sikh community from remembering the martyrs of June 1984 and to sow division within the Khalsa Panth. However, the community has always remembered its martyrs with unwavering spirit (chardi kala) and will continue to do so. The panth needs unity, not division.'
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal launches movement for Panth-approved jathedar appointments
Amritsar: Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal, chairman, Dharam Parchar Committee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC), on Wednesday announced the launch of a movement to raise awareness among the Sikh community to adopt a "Panth Parvanit" (Panth-approved) system for the appointment of jathedars of the Takhts to prevent embarrassing incidents, such as those witnessed in recent times. Daduwal was here along with the HSGPC newly elected president Jagdish Singh Jhinda and its members to offer thanksgiving prayers at the Golden Temple. It is already a matter of concern that the jathedars of Takht Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib are rarely invited to meetings of the Sikh high priests convened in Punjab Takhts to deliberate on Panthic issues, according to Daduwal. The recent summoning of the jathedar of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), followed by the retaliatory declaration of the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj — who also serves as the jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — and Baba Tek Singh, jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, as "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct), is deeply unfortunate and troubling, he added. "Such actions not only send a negative message but also undermine the dignity and unity of the Sikh high clergy, causing embarrassment for the Panth as a whole," observed Daduwal. Daduwal issued an appeal advocating for the appointment of jathedars through a process of collective and inclusive consultation. He emphasised the need for involving all significant Sikh religious bodies, including Sikh intellectuals, Nihang organisations, and others dedicated to the Sikh faith. He called for the establishment of a system wherein jathedars are appointed through unanimous consensus, free from the influence of any single group or political party. He said the HSGPC already initiated this movement and will continue to advance it both across India and internationally by engaging with Sikh intellectuals and religious bodies worldwide. At the same time, Daduwal expressed the view that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should not remain under the control of any single political party. "Our opponents in the Shiromani Akali Dal tried their best, but the Sikhs of Haryana succeeded in removing them from the HSGPC. Similarly, there is a growing sentiment among Sikhs in Punjab who do not want to see the SGPC dominated by one political party," he added. MSID:: 121464567 413 |
