2004 decree against RSS outfit stands, says Akal Takht
ASKS SIKHS TO SHUN RASHTRIYA SIKH SANGAT’S EVENT IN DELHI TO MARK GURU GOBIND SINGH’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
AMRITSAR : 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.
The highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, in a decree on July 7, 2004, had termed the RSS and the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat as “antipanthic forces” and asked the community to stay away from their activities.
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?” he 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.
MUM ON PARTICIPATION OF PATNA 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 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 rightwing body for organising a multifaith 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.