Decree against RSS-affiliate still prevails: Akal Takht - Hindustan Times
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Decree against RSS-affiliate still prevails: Akal Takht

Hindustan Times, Amtitsar | By, Amritsar
Oct 23, 2017 09:50 PM IST

Referring to the decree, Akal Takht jathedar has asked the community to not give any cooperation to the Rashtrya Sikh Sangat in organising the event and stay away from the event.

Breaking his silence over an event being organised by the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to mark the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh on October 25 in New Delhi, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh on Monday made it clear that the 2004 decree against the outfit still stands and asked the Sikhs to follow it.

Akal takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.(HT Photo)
Akal takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.(HT Photo)

The highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, in a decree on July 7, 2004, had termed the RSS and the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat as “anti-panthic forces” and asked the community to stay away from their activities.

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The decree was pronounced after the RSS affiliate had organised a procession ‘Sarab Sanjhi Gurbani Yatra”

Referring to the decree, the jathedar said Rashtriya Sikh Sangat cannot be provided any kind of cooperation in organising the event.

“No one can be allowed to distort Sikh history and this kind of act cannot be tolerated. Sikhs are separate qaum (ethnic group) and they have distinct identity and unique history. They don’t interfere in rituals, beliefs and code of ethics of any other religion. How can they tolerate interference from others in their own faith and its ethos,” the jathedar said.

He added, “The words used in the 2004 decree clarify that the Akal Takht cannot cooperate with those outfits the intention of which is doubtful in any respect. No question of cooperation with individuals too having this kind of intention. So, this decree still stands and there should be no confusion over it.”

The jathedar also ruled out the reports that he is taking part in the event. “I want to make it clear that I have no association with this event. The sangat should be conscious about the propaganda against the Panth,” he said in a statement issued here.

Still mum on participation of Patna Sahib jathedar

However, Giani Gurbachan Singh continued to be silent over the participation of Takht Sri Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh in the RSS-sponsored event. When HT tried to contact him, his mobile was found switched off.

As per the invitation cards of the event, Giani Iqbal Singh will preside over the function and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will be the key speaker.

Meanwhile, sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said that if Giani Iqbal Singh defies the 2004 decree, he may face action.

Notably, Sikh bodies across the world have already termed the event as a move aimed at accomplishing the “hidden agenda” of the RSS.

Dal Khalsa opposes RSS outfit’s nomenclature

Describing the formation of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat as “grand nefarious design” of RSS to penetrate into Sikh rank and file, the Dal Khalsa lashed out at the right-wing body for organising a multi-faith conclave.

Party head Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The RSS has no locus standi to interfere in the affairs of Sikhs.”

Rubbishing its very name, Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, he said as per Sikh tenets, there’s only one (Sikh) Sangat that is fully wedded to ten Gurus and their philosophy.

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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    Surjit Singh is a correspondent. He covers politics and agriculture, besides religious affairs and Indo-Pak border in Amritsar and Tarn Taran.

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