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Jathedar Appointed by Sikh Hardliners Arrested From Golden Temple

He was arrested while addressing the gathering along with Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh.

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Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh’s customary address on the occasion of Diwali drowned in the din amid slogan shouting by Sikh hardliners. This even as parallely “appointed” jathedar of Akal Takht also managed to address the gathering but was arrested soon after.

Amritsar Commissioner of Police Jatinder Singh Aulakh said,”Dhian Singh Mand, a former MP of SAD(A), was arrested this evening from inside the Golden Temple.”

On Tuesday, Sikh hardliners had convened ‘Sarbat Khalsa’, a grand assembly of Sikhs, here and appointed Jagtar Singh Hawara, the convict in Beant Singh assassination case, as jathedar of Akal Takht.

Since Hawara is in prison, Mand was to take charge as jathedar of Akal Takht, as per the hardliners. Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh in his address asked Sikhs to remain vigilant against “anti-panthic forces”.

On the other hand, Mand sought CM Parkash Singh Badal’s social boycott. Mand delivered his address in front of the Darshani Deodi (entrance of the Golden Temple). He gave an appeal for social boycott of Badals.

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Meanwhile, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar appealed to people to maintain peace. Sikh protesters brandished swords and waved black flags in Golden Temple complex. However, no one was hurt.

Speaking on the incidents of sacrilege of the holy book, Gurbachan said that the state government must ensure round the clock surveillance of Sikh shrines.

“Sikh warriors imprisoned since long must be released forthwith,” he demanded while asking the Centre to take a decision on the issue at the earliest.

Mand, however, asserted that Badals’ political influence over Sikh institutions must end. He alleged that Badals have eroded the sanctity of Sikh institutions.

In a preemptive move, police took into custody Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann and United Akali Dal leader Bhai Mokham Singh. Both of them were the key organisers of ‘Sarbat Khalsa’.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

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Topics:  Golden Temple   Beant Singh   Akal Takht 

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