BATHINDA, Punjab—In a recent statement, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, appealed to Sikhs to stop the activities of the right-wing Hindu terrorist organization, Rashtriya Sikh Sangat in their respective villages. He stated that Sikhs should ensure that the RSS is not able to spread its wings in Punjab. The statement by Giani Nandgarh has come after recent complaints of ever-growing influence of RSS in the state.
The RSS currently operates from 630 branches across Punjab. And it’s looking to add at least 200 more to rural and semi-urban areas by next year. The RSS has been active in Amritsar Sahib, Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Abohar and Fazilka for the past several years. It now also enjoys a good following in Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala, Bathinda and Moga as well. The RSS had recently marched in Barnala, where it’s supporters were seen brandishing swords, staffs (lathis), and guns openly.
The “plea” by Giani Nandgarh is similar to the one he issued during the Sacha Sauda controversy. The Damdama Sahib Jathedar had asked Sikhs at the time to ensure the Sacha Sauda cult leader was brought to justice. He had further stated that whosoever punishes the cult leader would be honored according to Sikh traditions. However contrary to his own words, when the entire Sikh Nation in Punjab took to the streets against the blasphemous acts of the Sacha Sauda leader, the Sikh leadership backed down and refused to lead the community.
The state of affairs was similar when the Sikh Community sought guidance for the release of Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and a stay of execution of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana. The community was however misled by a lack of support and action by its leaders.
While it is commendable for Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh to issue edicts against the RSS, he must first initiate legal action against the terrorist wing of the Bhartiya Janta Party, before asking Sikhs to take the matters into their own hands.
Just over this past weekend, Sikh leaders in Amritsar Sahib faced embarrassment when members of the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee and Damdami Taksal (Ajnala), accompanied by others, “returned” hukamnamas (commands) issued by Akal Takht Sahib. Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala stated that Sikhs are offered no support after hukamnamas are issued. The SGPC and others watch as mute-spectators while Sikhs die to save the sanctity of Akal Takht Sahib hukamnamas. Bhai Ajnala stated that SGPC should be first to take action against anti-Sikh activities in Punjab, before asking the wider Sikh diaspora to do so.
We know from the lives of countless Sikh Jathedars from the past who died fighting for the Panth along with other Sikhs. However today, our leaders seem less concerned about these responsibilities. It is easy to ask others to lose their livelihoods or die fighting for their beliefs, but harder to do so yourself. Leaders of the Khalsa Panth must be prepared to support their own commands before issuing them.
RSS will do nothing if sikhs will follow the path shown by shri GURU GOBIND SINGH JI. RSS should concentrate on their own religion rather than interfering in others religion ,their own religion ie hinduism is perishing day by day their girls are marrying with other casts mostly with muslims, even hindus used to eat beef, so it is better for RSS that should not interfering in sikh matters ,if they will not stop their activities in punjab then its result willnit be good.