Sikh hardliners in Punjab submit memorandum to Takht Authorities

Sikh hardliners, supported by Dal Khalsa, staged a protest at Akal Takht, expressing solidarity with former militant Narain Singh Chaura and opposing the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)’s resolution seeking his excommunication. The protest comes in the wake of Chaura’s alleged assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple on December 4.

Protest and memorandum

On Wednesday, Dal Khalsa leaders, along with other Sikh organizations, gathered at Gurdwara Saragarhi Sahib before marching to Akal Takht. The gathering included prominent figures such as Dal Khalsa’s working president Paramjit Singh Mand, former Akal Takht jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, SAD (Amritsar) leader Imaan Singh Mann, and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) functionary Manjit Singh Bhoma. They were joined by Mohkam Singh, Sher-e-Punjab Akali Dal president Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, and Gurcharan Singh, father of Jagtar Singh Hawara.

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The protest aimed to show collective opposition to the SGPC’s executive committee resolution, which had called for Chaura’s excommunication from the Sikh faith. The protesting organizations argued that the demand was unjust and sought jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh’s intervention to reject the resolution.

Solidarity with Narain Singh Chaura

Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant, has been at the center of controversy following the alleged attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal’s life. The protesters emphasized that Chaura’s actions should not lead to his excommunication and called for a more measured response. The memorandum submitted to the Akal Takht jathedar highlighted concerns over SGPC’s resolution and urged the Akal Takht to safeguard Chaura’s position within the Sikh community.

The protest reflects ongoing tensions within Sikh political and religious circles, with differing views on handling sensitive issues. The gathered leaders and their supporters expressed hope for a decision that upholds justice and maintains unity within the faith.