The Sarbat Khalsa (assembly of Sikhs) — called by radical outfits, the Simranjit Singh Mann-led Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and the United Akali Dal led by Mohkam Singh — have on Tuesday 'appointed' Jagtar Singh Hawara, the assassin of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, as the jathedar (chief priest) of Akal Takht — the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.
An Indian Express report says that in the absence of Hawara, currently imprisoned in Tihar jail, former MP and SAD(A) leader Dhian Singh Mand was named as 'acting' chief priest of Akal Takht, moments after he resigned from the party on stage.
The appointment comes in the background of repeated incidents of desecration of holy books in Punjab and the calls by radicals for the removal of Sikh high priests over pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim Insaan.
Akal Takht chief Giani Gurbachan Singh, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Avtar Singh Makkar and the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal have slammed the Sarbat Khalsa's decision, claiming only the Akal Takht has the right to appoint the chief priest.
A decision to revoke the titles of Fakhr-e-Qaum and Panth Rattan awarded to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was also passed at the event. They had been conferred on Badal by Akal Takht. It was also decided to take back the title of Shiromani Sewak awarded to SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar.
Former Punjab DGP KPS Gill and Lt General KS Brar, who were involved in the infamous Operation Bluestar in 1984, were declared as 'guilty of religious misconduct' at the event. The resolution directed the duo to appear before the Akal Takht and clarify their positions by November 30, said the Indian Express.
