Amritsar Sahib (KP) - Regarding a 'warning' note that was apparently authored by an militant Islamic organization and was recently received by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), many Panthic organizations have come forward to brand this incident the work of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (RSS). Originally the news as circulated was publicized that this note of threat was published by an Islamic militant organization since it was found signed Karim Ansari of Lashkar-e-Toiba.
The note stated that by October 6th, the LeT would blow up Darbar Sahib Complex in Amritsar, along with the Vaishno Devi temple and the Raghunath temple in Jammu and Kashmir. The note also stated that the Jammu railway station was also vulnerable and would be bombed two days after the first planned attack.
In reaction to this note note, security of Sri Harmandir Sahib was greatly hightened to eliminate any chances of letting this 'threat' come true. Capt. Amarinder Singh's Government took the initiative of providing the complex with additional security guards outside. In addition, metal detectors were also installed at the main gates to check all visiting pilgrims.He added that if the SGPC President so permitted, covert security guards would be assigned to monitor the inside.
Although led by the same political party to order the destruction of Akal Takht Sahib and fire upon Harmandir Sahib in 1984, Capt. Amarinder Singh stated that it is the central Government's policy of not interfering in religious matters. It would still continue to protect historical Sikh Shrines. When asked to identify the instigator behind this plot, Capt. Amarinder Singh stated that recent political developments clearly point to this being a scheme of Sukhbir Badal.
Panthic organizations on the other hand have interpreted this warning as having been fed by the RSS. In a press note released by the Dal Khalsa (American Wing), the organization stated that Indian agencies were coming up with these plots to cause reactions among active Sikh organizations and individuals into so it could work to identify and reduce their influence.
A press note released by the Sikh Sangat of Germany also pointed out names of the various RSS and Akali Dal (B) leaders as the main authors behind the warning note.The press release stated that the RSS wants to create tensions within the Sikh and the Muslim communities. The same organization was also behind the recent bomb blasts that took the lives of dozens of Muslims in various Indian cities.
Harwinder S. Sarna, President Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, also commented on this warning note and labeled it as a 'prank', but insisted that the security of the Harmandir Sahib Complex should still be amplified so as not take any chances.
