Sedition case slapped on Sarbat Khalsa organisers

Police registered a case of sedition on Friday against the organisers of Sarbat Khalsa, or congregation of the Sikh faithful, in Punjab’s Chabha village on November 10 where controversial resolutions were adopted to replace the religious chain of command.

The new Takht jathedars appointed at the event were also booked along with the key speakers under charges of sedition, promoting enmity between different groups, and sending offensive messages through communication services. The tough police action could fuel further unrest in the state.

“A case has been registered as various anti-national and anti-social speeches were made during the function,” a senior official told HT, confirming that an FIR was registered at the Chattiwind police station.

Sikh hardliners SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann and United Akali Dal chief Mohkam Singh were the key organisers of the event where Giani Dhiyan Singh Mand, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala and Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal were announced as interim jathedars of the Akal Takht, Takht Kesgarh Sahib and Takht Damdama Sahib, respectively.

All of them, except Mann, are already behind bars as they were picked up by police for preventive detention soon after the event. Mann was also taken into preventive custody but was released later.

Police are going through the contents of the speeches made at the event for further action, officials said.