Further Agitation on May 31st if no Action
Amritsar Sahib (KP) – In light of the controversy that arose over the blasphemous activities of Dera Sacha Sauda Leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the Akal Takhat Sahib Jathedar has demanded that all Sacha Sauda deras in Punjab be shut down by May 27. The decision was passed unanimously by Jathedars of all five Takhats at a panthic meeting held on May 19.
Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti acknowledged that the 'regret' note tendered by Gurmeet Ram Rahim was not acceptable as sentiments of the Sikh Nation were greatly hurt by the acts of the dera leader. After the meeting of the Singh Sahibs, he announced that if the Government failed to take appropriate actions, the Sikh leadership will meet again to announce a final decision on May 31.
Meanwhile, although the Badal Government has also asked Gurmeet Ram Rahim to apologize to the Sikhs for hurting their sentiments, he has not commented on Akal Takhat's demand of closing deras in Punjab. The apology letter which was initially released by the Dera Sacha Sauda was also refused by the Takhat Jathedars. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti announced the letter as a 'mere play of words by Sacha Sauda'. Harnaam Singh Dhumma, announced that the dera chief will only be forgiven by the Sikhs if he appeared in front of Akal Takhat Sahib to personally tender the apology.
Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti also announced that a committee has been formed to hold talks with the Prime Minister, President and other officials of the Indian Government. The committee's main motive will be to rush the trial of a number of cases that are pending against the dera head and followers. A delegation of Sikhs from Fatehgarh Sahib was also scheduled to hold talks with the governors of Punjab and Haryana in regards to these cases.
Several Sikh organizations have expressed satisfaction on the decision of the Takhat Jathedars. Typically, Paramjit S. Sarna, former President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and Daljit S. Bittu, Vice President Shiromani Akal Dal (A), who are recognized as opponents of Parkash Badal, have also commended the decision. Some Sikh Youth however raised concern over the decision of Akal Takhat as it was causing useless delays in the case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
Concerns were also raised collectively by all Sikh organizations over the presence of Daljit S. Cheema in the meeting of the Takhat Jathedars. Cheema, cabinet minister and advisor of the Chief Minister Parkash Badal, is not a representative of any Sikh organization. It is being predicted that Cheema attended the meeting on request of Parkash Badal.
In contrast, the dera chief has openly refused to apologize claiming he did not portray himself as Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Several spokespersons also said while addressing the press that the deras will not be closed at any cost and also threatened to file charges against Akal Takhat Sahib under section 295-A for hurting the sentiments of the Sacha Sauda followers.
