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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Stalemate over Operation Bluestar commemoration as Damdami Taksal, SGPC fail to reach agreement
Amritsar: A key meeting between Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami has ended in deadlock over the upcoming Ghallughara ( Operation Bluestar ) commemoration. Talks will resume on May 4. Damdami Taksal, which lost its then-leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and many followers during the 1984 military operation inside the Golden Temple to flush out holed up terrorists, insisted the SGPC should limit its role to that of a facilitator or manager for the June 6 event, maintaining that the commemoration primarily belongs to the Taksal. The meeting, which lasted around two-hours-and-a-half, failed to produce a resolution. A key point of contention was the SGPC's position on officiating Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa reportedly told Dhami that the Taksal would not allow Gargaj to deliver the traditional message to the Sikh quom (community) on June 6. SGPC chief Dhami assured the Taksal that the matter would be resolved by June 4, claims senior Damdami Taksal sewadar Avtar Singh Buttar. However, the Taksal reiterated that the SGPC's role should remain purely managerial. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Tensions have intensified with support from several other Sikh organisations — including Sant Samaj, various sects, Sikh federations and Nihang groups — who argue that Gargaj's appointment violated Sikh religious protocol (maryada). The annual Ghallughara event traditionally includes a message from the Akal Takht Jathedar, followed by honours for families of those killed in the 1984 military operation. The dispute escalated further when Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh, sons of Bhindranwale, refused publicly to accept any honours from Gargaj, and urged Dhami to prevent him from officiating during the ceremony's 41st anniversary. box Sacred relic displayed Meanwhile, a bullet-struck saroop of Guru Granth Sahib, damaged during Operation Bluestar, was put on display at Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh inside the Golden Temple complex. The bullet itself was also showcased. MSID:: 121573636 413 | Amritsar: A key meeting between Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami has ended in deadlock over the upcoming Ghallughara (Operation Bluestar) commemoration. Talks will resume on May 4. Damdami Taksal, which lost its then-leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and many followers during the 1984 military operation inside the Golden Temple to flush out holed up terrorists, insisted the SGPC should limit its role to that of a facilitator or manager for the June 6 event, maintaining that the commemoration primarily belongs to the Taksal. The meeting, which lasted around two-hours-and-a-half, failed to produce a resolution. A key point of contention was the SGPC's position on officiating Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa reportedly told Dhami that the Taksal would not allow Gargaj to deliver the traditional message to the Sikh quom (community) on June 6. SGPC chief Dhami assured the Taksal that the matter would be resolved by June 4, claims senior Damdami Taksal sewadar Avtar Singh Buttar. However, the Taksal reiterated that the SGPC's role should remain purely managerial. Tensions have intensified with support from several other Sikh organisations — including Sant Samaj, various sects, Sikh federations and Nihang groups — who argue that Gargaj's appointment violated Sikh religious protocol (maryada). The annual Ghallughara event traditionally includes a message from the Akal Takht Jathedar, followed by honours for families of those killed in the 1984 military operation. The dispute escalated further when Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh, sons of Bhindranwale, refused publicly to accept any honours from Gargaj, and urged Dhami to prevent him from officiating during the ceremony's 41st anniversary. box Sacred relic displayed Meanwhile, a bullet-struck saroop of Guru Granth Sahib, damaged during Operation Bluestar, was put on display at Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh inside the Golden Temple complex. The bullet itself was also showcased. MSID:: 121573636 413 |
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chorus grows against installation of smart meters in Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: There has been mounting opposition from certain areas in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after the MSEDCL started replacing old meters with Time of Day (ToI) meters or smart meters . Leftist politicians accused the BJP and its alliance partners of taking a U-turn in matters related to the smart meters. "Prior to the assembly elections, the BJP assured a stay on installing smart meters, fearing public flak. Now the polls are over, BJP leaders are pushing for the installation of such meters without taking consumers into confidence," said leftist politican Abhay Taksal said. He claimed that the pre-paid meter will burn holes in the pockets of customers. "The present and future govt policies, involving these devices, are private firm-friendly," Taksal said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Vikas Gaikwad, a consumer leader, said the MSEDCL must replace smart meters installed in some areas at the earliest. "We have planned a mega agitation on May 6 in front of the MSEDCL regional office. A large number of citizens are expected to join the agitation against the smart meters," he said. When contacted, MSEDCL authorities said charges levelled by leftist leaders and others are baseless. "The installation of new meters is a part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Centre. It is happening across the country with an aim to modernise the power distribution sector by improving its efficiency and accountability. The scheme is consumer-friendly," a senior MSEDCL official said. Power utility officials categorically debunked claims that existing post-paid meters would be converted into pre-paid meters. "It is false propaganda, and consumers must not believe it," authorities said.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Akal Takht reaches out to Dhadrianwale, other preachers to counter conversions
Amritsar/Jalandhar: Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has invited Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and other prominent preachers, whose cases are pending with the Takht. The invitation, explained Giani Gargaj, was aimed at countering religious conversions and to foster cohesion within the Khalsa Panth. Dhadrianwale is under a religious boycott currently based on a hukamnama (edict) issued by the Akal Takht. Dhadrianwale, once the most influential Sikh preacher, would attract thousands to his congregations till an attempt was made on his life in May 2016, in which a fellow preacher was killed. It came out that he was attacked by Damdami Taksal followers amid bitter statements between him and the Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma. Later, Taksal and a few others took exception to his interpretation of Gurbani and Sikh history and complained to the Akal Takht, after which a directive was issued against his congregations, and he then confined his preaching to his dera near Patiala. He still attracts thousands to his congregations. However, there has been a strong feeling in the Sikh circles that unshackling him after reconciliation can help counter conversions by self-styled Christian pastors, which have become a huge concern in the community. The jathedar emphasised that the Akal Takht's doors remained open to those willing to return with humility and align themselves with the teachings and principles of the Sikh Gurus. "If they wish to work within the mainstream of the Khalsa Panth and preach Sikhi, they are welcome — provided they come with a spirit of humility and surrender," he added. This development comes at a time when the Sikh leadership is facing mounting pressure to navigate internal rifts and preserve doctrinal integrity amid numerous challenges. Jagir Kaur's attendance sparks row Interestingly, former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur has come under scrutiny for attending an event organised by Dhadrianwale at Nadala village on Saturday. BJP leader Sarchand Singh Khiala, who was formerly associated with the Taksal, has submitted a letter to the jathedar, urging that Jagir Kaur be summoned to answer the charges of violating the Akal Takht hukamnama and called for appropriate action in line with the Panthic tradition. Key gathering on May 2 Giani Gargaj also announced a special gathering under the patronage of the Akal Takht, scheduled for May 2 to focus on growing concerns around films and animated content depicting Sikh Gurus, their families, historical warriors, and Sikh history at large. He noted that the Sikh community raises objections frequently to how these sensitive subjects are portrayed, often leading to widespread discontent and emotional distress across the Panth. "The Akal Takht receives constant appeals from the Sangat to take concrete steps on these issues," he said. "Given their sensitive nature, they warrant serious and collective contemplation." All Sikh organisations, sects (sampradas), institutions, and scholars involved in Sikh affairs have been urged to participate and share their input at the May 2 assembly.
